Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-08-15
TEXT OF BRITAIN'S
OFFER TO IRELAND

London, Aug. 15.-The British pro-
posals sent to Eamon de Valera, which
were dated July 20. said:
"The British Government is actu-
ated by an earnest desire to end the un-
happy divisions between Great Britain
and Ireland which have produced so
many conflicts in the past and which
have once more shattered the peace and
well-being of Ireland.
''At the present time it longs with
His Majesty the King, in the words of
month, for a satisfactory solution Of
those age-long Irish problems which
for generations embarrassed our fore
fathers as they now weigh heavily upon
u.s. And it wishes to do its utmost to
secure that every man of Irish birth
should work in loyal co operation with
the free communities on which the Brit
ish Empire is based
1T is convinced that the Irish people
may find as worthy and complete an
expression of their political and spirit
ual ideals within the empire as any of
the numerous and varied nations united
In allegiance to His Majesty's throne
and 1t desires such consummation not
only for the welfare of Great Britain
and Ireland and the empire as a whole,
but also for the cause of peace and
harmony throughout the world.
Feud Affects Whole World
There is not a part of the world
where lrishmen have made their homes
but suffers from our ancient feuds-no
Part of it but looks to this meeting be-
tween the British Government and the
Irish leaders to resolve these feuds in
new understanding honorable and sat.
NllCtOrv nnnnIn ipvnlvnI
The free nations which compose the
British Empire are drawn from many
races with different histories, traditions
and ideals. In the Dominion of Can
ada the British and French have long
forgotten the bitter conflict which Ill
Vlued their ancestors. In South Africa
the Transvaal Republic and the Orange
frec State have Joined with two British
colonies 20 make great self governing
union union under, His Majesty's sway. The
british people cannot believe that where
canada and South Africa, with equal or
even greater difficulties, lave so sig
iially succeeded Ireland will fail, and
Ihey are determined that so far as they
themselves can assure it nothing shall
Ilihder Irish statesmen from joining to-
gether to build up an Irish State in free
una willing cooperation with the other
peoples Of the empire.
Dominion Status Offered
, Moved by these considerations, the
British Government invites Ireland to
IaKe her place in the great association
VI tree nations over which His Majesty
Ieign"' AS an earnest Of it's desire to
9olterate old quarrels and to. enable
ireland to face the future with her own
strength and hope it proposes that Ire
lahd shall assume forthwith the status
ot dominion, with all the powers and
privileges set forth In this document.
!. by the adoption of dominion status
u Is understood that Ireland shall en-
10Y complete autonomy In taxation and
nnance; that she shall maintain her
hliltary for home defense, her own con-
saGulary for her own police; that she
snail take over the Irish postal service
anu all matters relating thereto-edu-
numerals, forestry, housing, labor, un-
empl0yment, transport, trade, public
aeadth, health insurance and liquor
ramc and in sum that she shall ex-
erclse all those powers and privileges
upon which the autonomy of self f-gov~
erning dominions Is based, subject to
.ne considerations set forth in the en-
SUNG paragraphs.
Foreign Power Of Empire
Guaranteed in these liberties, which
no foreign people can challenge without
challenging the empire as whole, the
aominions hold, each and severally. by
virtue of their British fellowship, a
standing among the nations equivalent
not merely to their individual strength,
out TO the combined power and influence
% gI all the nations of the Commonwealth.
mat guarantee, that fellowship. that
freedom, the whole empire looks to
Ireland to accept"
linen follow six stipulations.
Inc trst says that the common con-
eern OF both countries In the defense of
,nelr interests on land and sea shall be
recognized.
=. Great Britain" it adds. elves by
me sea; Her food and her communica-
IONS depend on the freedom of the
pfat sea routes. Ireland lies at
nrltain's side, across the seaways,
north and south. that link her with the
sister nations of the empire, the
markets OF the world and the vital
''asrces OF her food supply.
In recognition of this fact, which
as.ure has imposed and which no
t;sesmanship a. can change, It 10 essen
a' mat the royal navy alone should