The New York herald., 1921-06-30
IRISH PEACE HOPES
NOT YET ABANDONED
But Sir James Craig Refuses
Preliminary Conference
in Dublin.
SECOND APPEAL is MADE
De Valera Tells UlSterite That
Lloyd Georges Plan Is
Impossible.
SECOND APPEAL IS MADE

Special Cable to THE NEW YoRK HEnALp.
Copyright, 1871, by THE NEW YonK HERALD.
DUBLIN, June 29.-All hope has not
yet been abandoned Of settling the
Irish question by a conference despite
the discouraging tone Of the messages
exchanged by Sir James Craig, Premier
Of Ulster, and Eamonn de Valera,
president Of the Irish Pepublic." and
the doubtful tone OF De valera's refer
ence TO Premier Lloyd Georges invi-
tation.
In letter to Sir James Craig reply
ing to the Ulster Premier's notification
that he cannot meet De Valera In a
preliminary conference In Dublin, the
Irish Republican leader makes tho
declaration that Lloyd Georges invita-
ton to a conference Is impossible Of
acceptance in its present form.
AS quoted by the Irish Bulletin, or
gan of the Dali Eireann, De Valera's
letter Is as follows:
II sincerely regret that you cannot
come to a conference in Dublin Mon
day. Mr.. Lloyd Georges proposal. be-
cause of its Implications Is impossible
of acceptance In Its present form. Our
political differences ought to be adjusted
and can, I believe. be adjusted on Irish
soil But IT is obvious that In the neEo-
tiations Of peace with Great Britain the
Irish delegation ought not to be divided.
but should act as a unit on some COM
mon principle"
Second Appeal to Craig.
Back of the frisid politeness of these
exchanges lies the bitterness Of the
whole Irish question sinoc Cronwells
time. But Il 10 regarded as hopeful that
Dc Valera himself made a second appeal
to Sir James this afternoon. despite Cir
James's earlier refusal to como TO the
Dublin conference which De Valera
wants to precede the London meeting.
De Valera undoubtedly Ia seeking to
go to London in the character Of rep
resentative of all ireland rather than
as the chosen leader Of the majority
Of the south of Ireland as Lloyd George
addressed him. Sir James Craig 10
backed by the entire Ulster machine In
standing out for a distinction between
the six counties and the rest Of Ireland
which Sir Edward Carson won for them
In framing the present home rule act.
But there are many In Dnblin tonight
who insist that there is a middle way
where the two factions can find ground
for going to London on a common basis.
Although sir James Craig declined to
confer with De Valera, Sir Maurice
Dockerell and the other southern
Unionists have consented to attend the
Dublin meeting. and there Is a iikeli-
hood that n De Valera cannot md sup
port for himself as the spokesman for
all Ireland, he may Be able 10 appear
a. the spokesman for all of Ireland out
side OF the six counties.
Objects to Invitation Form.
The tone Of his reply to Sir James
Craig to-day seems to indicate that he
will not 20 20 London unless he is
able to speak for all ireland. His ref
erence that Prcmicr Lloyd Georges
proposal Ia impossible In Its present
form" IL construed as referring 10 the
limitation OF the invitation In alluding
to himself as representing only the
majority of Southern Ireland"
In his reply to Sir James. De Valera
undoubtedly Is publicly playing the card
more than once revealed privately-that
the north and south II left alone can
settle their differences themselves
Whether or not he is playing this card
remains to be seen. Some
Unionists say DE Valera made a tactical
biundcr In inviting Sir James 10 Dublin
at this time.
Some here still believe that Sir James
will be represented at the Dublin meet
ing Monday In order 20 try 10 reach
common ground, but advices from Bel
fast Indicate quite the contrary--that the
northern party Is satisfied with It's own
Parliament and IL going TO set tight.
nd that their representatives will 70 to
London II the conference Is held to see
and hear what Is offered, but will
neither volunteer nor permit further
from their own party
De Valera In the meantime Is carry