Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-12-09
De Valera's Action
on Peace Treaty
Not UNEXPECTED

London, Dec. Shy A. P.)-Eamon
De Valera's action in opposing the
treaty between Great Britain and Ire
land was not entirely unexpected, the
conclusion having been drawn be-
cause of his silence. that the terms of
the settlement did not meet his wishes
or, in his opinion. the aspirations of
that section of Ireland WHICH he rep
resents.
Several meetings of the Dali Fire
ann cabinet were held in Dublin to-
day and while no official statement
was given out, it was early limited
that a division of views had occurred
among the, Sim Fein ministers. In
his public statement, Mr.. De Valera
makes it known that in his opposi-
ton to the settlement he has the sup
port of at least two members of the
cabinet, the minister of home affairs
and he minister of defense, Austen
Stack and Charles Burgess.
On the other hand, Arthur Griffin,
founder of the Sim Fein and minister
of foreign affairs, Michael Collins, the
finance minister, Robert c. Barton,
minister of economies and George Ga
van Duffy. and cannon J. Duggan,
have already affixed their signatures
to the treaty as plenipotentiaries The
views of other members of the cabi-
net have not been made public.
Mr.. Dc Valera has summoned the
Dali Eireann to meet next Wednes-
day morning. 1t is on that day that
the imperial parliament will be
opened in state for the purpose of
having the treaty submitted to it.
One development in Irish affairs
today was the liberation of many
prisoners, including several women,
from Mount Joy prison who were
serving sentences for political Of
fenscs.
Congratulatory continued to pour
into Downing street. Among the
messages were Fluctuations from the
French premier. NJ. BRAND. the
South African premier, Jan c. SHUTS
and A. j. Balfour on behalf of the
British delegation at Washington.
Sir James Craig, the Ulster premier,
will arrive in London early tomorrow
morning and is expected to meet the
premier at noon. He left Belfast to-
night accompanied by a large party.
which included the Marquis of Lon
dondcrry and Captain Dixon, listers
chief whip.
Reports concerning al, early gener-
al election are emi-of1icially denied.
1t is the governments present inten-
ton to hold a short session of parlia-
ment, probably for only a few days,
to ratify the Irish meeting and form
of the Irish provisional government,
and then prororogue to the end of
January, when necessary legislation
for tn, constitution of the new Irish
state and other general business will
be undertaken. In such a case. gen.
eral election is not likely before the
middle Of the year.
The military display at the state
cpening of the imperial parliament
will be elaborate About 5000 troops
will be employed. an,Sng them the
guards regiments.
There was cordial exchange of
messages today between NJ. Mi1lefahu
president of the French republic. and
King George. NJ. Millerand offering
congratulations for the Irish settle
ment and the king in the court of his
reply saying: Il am proud to have
been able to contribute to the happy
ISSUE"
A thanksgiving service was held il
the Westminster cathedral tonight,
Cardinal Bourne officiating. The serv-
ice was attended by Viseount Fitzalan.
the Irish viceroy, a number Of Irish
members and former members of par
lianfent and a great concurse of Irish
residents.
The first electoral test of the gov
ernmcnt's Irish policy will come in
the immenent bi.election in South.