The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1921-08-17
OFFERS OLIVE
BRANCH TO
NORTH IRELAND
Declared That Ireland Has
No Enmity to England
at Least None If the
Questions Now at Issue
Were Settled As De Val
era Proposes

Dublin, Aug. II, tBy the Associated
Press sl--Eamon De Valera, Irish re-
publican leader, declared to-day that
the Dali Eireann would not accept the
terms offered by the British govern
ment. extending to Ireland an offer of
dominion status.
Mr.. De Valera made this declaration
at the second session OF the Dali
Eireann. held in the Mansion House, to
take up the question of the negotia-
tions with Premier Lloyd George with
regard to possible Irish settlement
"From the reports this morning in
the British and foreign press" said Mr.
DE Valera, there seems TO be doubt
as to what our attitude is towards the
British proposals. There seems 20 be
doubt as to whether what | have said
or whether our letter means accep,
tance or rejection.
There ought to be no doubt IN any.
body's mind. We cannot and will not,
on behalf of this nation, accept these
terms.
"There is an Indian proverb reading:
Fool me once, shame on YOU; fool me
twice. shame on me- The Irish people
win not be fooled this time.
1T is said we are offered the status
of dominion home rule for Ireland
the status of the British dominions.
Ireland is offered no such thing. The
statement that Ireland was offered a
dominion status contained two false
hoods. Where is Ireland There is
no ireland in the terms, but two broken
pieces of Ireland.
What was offered was not even
dominion status. 1t was admitted the
dominions had the right TO secede and
could get out if they desired. We
aretold we must stay in whether we
like it or not.
"We are not claiming the right to
secede. There cannot be a question
been a union.
Northern Ireland has regarded itself |
from its own viewpoint, and in ELI
terng negotiations they need not give
up that point of view. | would be
willing to suggest to the Irish people |
that they give up a good deal in order
TO have Ireland able to look into the |
future without distracting internal |
problems
"All the time these negotiations have /
meant an attempt TO get into touch |
with the people of the north and tell
them We have no enmity and would |
make sacrifices for them which we
would never think of making for
frEt tnt l. a
them every safeguard any reasonable
person could say they were entitled
to, and We are ready 10 leave the ques-
tlOn of the north TO external arbtra-
tion to leave the whole question TO ex.
ternal arbitration.
"England's claim is unreasonable.
The claims of the minority in Ireland
are unrea asonabe But even unreaso son.
able claims we would be ready to con.
slider, and | for one would be ready to
60 long ways To give way to them.
to their sentiment. if we
could get them to come with us and
consider the interests Of their own
and not the allving them
selves WITH foreigners.
Mr. DE Valera said the Irish nation
did not stand between England and
the world and was not shutting up the
seas between the two islands.
I'VE have no eumity to England. he
declared. AT least. if this question
were settled ! believe there would he
none. The only enmity is to that rule
which the Irish beople hate to the
marrow Of their bones
II was said, remarked the republican
leader, that the Irish question was
problem. II was a problem. he de-
alared-a problem of a powerful. selfish ,
person wishing TO encroach upon the
tights. the property and the freedom
4 his neighbors This was the funda. ,
mental problem to be settled Human
nature had TO be taken into considera-
ion he pointed out. and they who were !
sorking for complete and final settle
nent were 10 see to il that relations
must be adjusted on the basis Of right.
Therefore. in considering the problem.
hey who had right on their side. he /.
aid. must count
The Irish people won't finch now J
'ccause more arms are being sent for"
le declared