Norwich bulletin., 1921-07-15
BOTH SIDES HOPEFUL
 OF ULTIMATE SETTLEMENT


 London; July 14.-By The A. P1-I 1,. ieuller Lloyd George and Eamonn De NAIera, Irish republican leader had tos together in the premier's official reejdaroa ree In Downing street this afternoon ana spent m ore than two hours and a half making Llear to each other the circn-,- stances under which they thought C;Tesf brltain and the Dali Eireann might he "iiiing to seat delegates at a conference taole with representatives of Ulster in an enore to compose the age-long diff Le1ences oetween the three parties and settle the Irish question.
 What many English neoole ,ot 1o-- since would have considered imnossibls mas happened-this meeting of the British prime minister and the man whose sIn- porters designate him president of tbe Irish Republic" VI '4ie
 The extreme length of the private con- versation and the fact that it is said to nave ended ''amiably," and that an agreement was arrived at to issue a 1olnt communique is interpreted as a good eugury' That the prayers of both peo- pes for the success of the conference were ferYent was shown by the kneeline Irlsh men and women in Downing street reciting the Rosary and singing hymns, while the Archbishop of Gamer nury, presiding at a meeting in the Na- tional Assembly of the English Church. remlneded the assembly that the con- ference was meeting and invited all pres ent to stand for a few moments in si- lent prayer
 This initial talk between the two lead CTS the preliminary nature of which was emphasized by both sides. had at least one earmark common to momentous gatherings of statesmen in recent years Tor at it's conclusion the only word Youchsafed the public was cryptic joint communique containing the bare an announcement that there had been a freq exchange of views in which their rels- tive positions were defined and that inc discussion would be resumer tomorrow.
 From both sides, however. it is g,ean. ed that the long conversation was mark ed by the utmost cordiality, not in the least marred by the candor with which the two viewpoints were presented. and left the participants satisfied and able to assure their colleagues that there wers substantial grounds for hope of an ult,. mate settlement
 Because of MT. De valera's accounta. bility to she Dali Eirann for committ- ments made in behalf of southern Ireland slt -s learned he was unable togive un. qualified replies to some of the premier, propositions. But both were keen f, scent ianger when the talk bordered or issues regarded as irreconciliable ana l there was consequently no time when ; rupture was imminent
 The crowds in Downing street. most ly women, who waved the Sim Feir colors. sang patriotic songs and devout ly knelt in the streets recitinE the Ros ary. cheered the Irish leader as he en tered the premier's residence; then en dured the long wait h the rain and were rewarded at seeing their "presi dent" smile as he motored away aftel the conference ended.
 The prime minister and Mir De valer; will again be alone together when tn
 discussion is renewed tomorrow. Sig nifcant evidence of the hopefulness ex | isting on each side Is the summoninr t London of Sir James Craig, the Ulste premier. He left Belfast tonight