Evening journal., 1921-08-15

ways aimed at retention of their
citizenship in the United Kingdom
and the empire Of which they are
proud to form a part. and there are
not to be found in any quarter OF
the world more loyal citizens than
those of Ulster descent. They hold
fast to cherished traditions and
deeply resent any infringement Of
their rights and privileges. which
belong equally to them and to other
citizens within the empire"
The text then recalls the sacrifices
made in agreeing to self-government
and in consenting to the establish
ment Of a parliament in Northern
ireland.
Against our wish. but in the in
terests of peace" the statement con-
tinues, I'VE accepted this as the final
settlement of the long outstanding
difficulty with which Great Britain
has been confronted. We are busily
engaged in ratifying our own part
Of this solemn bargain, while the
Irishmen outside the northern area,
who in the past have struggled for
home rule, have chosen to repudiate
the government of Ireland act and
press Great Britain for wider pow
ers. To join in such pressure is re-
pugnant to the people of Northern
ireland.
Respectfully Decline
"In the further interest of peace.
we therefore respectfully decline
We are determined not to interfere
with the terms of settlement be-
tween us, but to safeguard the ties
that bind us to Great Britain and
the empire, to insure that we are
not prejudiced by any terms entered
into between them, and Mr.. De
Valera, and to maintain the just
equality exhibited throughout the
government of Ireland act.
"Our acceptance of your origina
invitation TO meet in conference II
London holds good and il at an,
time our assistance again is desired
we are available. But 1 feel bount
to acquaint you that no meeting Il
possible between Mr.. De Valera ant
myself until he recognizes tina
northern Ireland will not submit t,
any other authority than that of hi
majesty the King and the parliamen
OF the United Kingdom, and admits
the sanctity of the existing power
and privileges OF the parliament anS
government. of northern Ireland.
''In conclusion, let me assure yol
that peace is as earnestly desired b,
my government and myself as by yol
and yours, and although we havl
nothing left to give away we are pre-
pared. when you and Mr.. De Valer;
arrive at a satisfactory settlement
TO cooperate with southern Irelan,
on equal terms for the future vel
fare Of our common country. in orde
to avoid any misunderstanding O
misrepresentation of our views, in
tend to publish this letter when you
proposals are made public"
On August 10 Eamonn De Valeri
addressed the following communica
ton to Mr.. Lloyd George:
''Sir: On the occasion of our las
, interview I gave it as my judgmen
that the Dali Erieann could not an
. the Irish people would not, accep
the proposals Of your government
s set forth in draft July 20. Havin
d consulted my colleagues. and wit
them given these proposals mos
earnest consideration, now confii1
that Judgment
''The outline given in the draft
self-contradictory and the principl
OF the pact not easy to determin,
To the extent that it implies recos
milton of Ireland's separate nation
hood and her right to self-determin
alton we appreciate and accept it.
But in the stipulations and ex
press conditions concerning vita
matters the principle is strangely Sc
aside and a claim advanced by you
government to an interference in on
affairs and to control which we can
not admit.
''Ireland's right to choose for her
lself the path she shall take to realiz
her own destiny must be accepted a
indefensible.
1T is a right that has been mair
tained through centuries Of oppre.
sion, at the cost Of unparallele
sacrifices and untold suffering. W
I cannot propose TO abrogate or in
pair it, nor can Great Britain or an
other foreign state or group Of stat,
0 claim to interfere with its exerci,
In order to serve their own speci
y interests"
Freedom OF EntangIements.
Declaring that it is Ireland's d
l sire to be, free of imperiaiistic el
> tanglements which win prove d
structive OF Irish ideals and be frui
ful only OF ruinous wars and crusl
ing taxation, Mr.. De Valera say
Like the small states OF Europ
. the Irish people are prepared
1. hazard their independence on Il
" basis Of natural right. confident tn
). as they would threaten no nation
people they would, in turn, be fr
/, from aggression themselves"
- Asserting that this is the poll
that Irishmen have declared for
y plebiscite after plebiscite, Mr.. ]
y Vdlera continues:
70 "As for myself and my colleague
1, our deep conviction is that tr
n friendship with England. whi
military coercion has frustrated (
y, centuries, can be obtained me
40 readily now through amicable b
absolute separation. The fear whi
"a we believe is groundless, that Iri
~ territory may be used as the ba
q for attacks on England's liberti
- can be met by reasonable guarant,
~, not inconsistent with Irish SOW
ne eighty"
OF Mr.. De Valera declares that
nj dominion status for Ireland
er illusory. He says the freedom (
er British dominions enjoy is less
nd reoult ~ lagaf onac,,,,r,,,, -. -.