The New York herald., 1921-01-09


New York Herald Bureau.
London, Jan. 8.
Despite THE New YORK HERALD COR
respondents information from Dublin
that the return to Ireland of Eamonn
de Valera, president of the Irish Re
public" has stiffened the Irish front
against compromise along the lines of
the home rule act, Downing street not
only continues hopeful, but is active
toward peace. The British Cabinet
was said to be convinced it is better
informed on Irish sentiment than are
the Sim Fein spokesmen in Dublin.
If the Cabinets optimism is based on
the usual channels of military officials
there is ground for believing the tradi-
tional error of Downing street regard
ing Ireland remains unchanged.
1t can be stated on important unoffi-
cial information that Downing street
opinion is that Ireland wants peace even
at the cost of her submission to the
present home rule act. The Cabinet
continues in the unbroken determna-
ton to put this belief to a test in the
referendum and election soon to be
called for the new Irish Parliaments.
Cabinet members believe in the sound
ness of the information they have re-
ceived from Archbishop Clune of Aus
tralia. the Rev Father Michael O'Flan-
agan, vice-presndent of the Sinn-Fein.
and Thomas Johnson, head of the Irish
labor movement. and. that IL the Sim
Fein goes into the elections with its ex-
treme programme unmodified 1t Will be
beaten.
Hopeful Signs Disccrned.
ru,o t,onaeul aIapoan+o n re in tho eitu-
alton While both sides maintain ti,eir
mutual distrust, they are undoubtedly
feeling out the other side more eftec-
lively and in more conciliatory fash
ion than ever before. Also there are
many indications that both sides are
turning their eyes toward the elections
as a peaceable means of determining
what Ireland will have. instead of con-
tnuing the bloody means of last years
guerrilla warfare. Archbishop Clune had
several conferences with Premier Lloyd
George preceding his departure from
London. and 1t was stated semi-officially
that he was both helpful and concilia-
tory during these conferences.
Considerable mystery surrounds Father
O'Flanagan's visit to London. He has
having brought message from the mod
crate wing OF the Sim Fein.
Won't Confer If Tied Down.
Mr.. johnson. in an interview makes
il plain that the Irish Labor party will
not participate in any direct negotiations
with the Government He said that
Irish labor gives its allegiance to the
Irish Government. which IL can influence
Just as British labor influences the Brit
tsh Government--and the huge British
labor campaign on behalf OF Ireland is
one of the things that Is urging Premier
Lloyd George toward a settlement
It Is extremely significant too. that
Mr.. Johnson. when he was asked II Irish
labor had ruled out a settlement short
Of separation. replied emphatically:
"No. 1t might mean union; 1t might
mean Dominion Home Rule: 1t might
mean anything. but I can't go into
conference tied down to formulas"
It is, nevertheless the opinion of
those persons in closest touch with the
negotiations now going on that when
formulas are found satisfying. on the one
hand. the Sim Fein, then the British
Government will fulfil its promises of
satisfying the British people that the
Sim Fein will not create any hostile
sovereignty on England's flank. How
ever, many persons hold that whether
the formula is independence for Ireland
or not, a way of settlement is easy. and
probably will be found through the
forthcoming elections.
A discouraging element of the situa
ton is that irreconcilables on both
sides are mixing in the councils While
Michael Collins, commanding the Irish
Republican Army. is reported to be con-
stantly In touch with de Valera In Dub
lin, Viscount French. Lord Lieutenant
of Ireland, hurried to England on Thurs
day night and held long conference
with Sir Hamar Greenwood. Chief Sec
retary for Ireland. and Andrew Bonar
Law. Lord Privy Seal and Government
spokesman In the House OF Commons,
while Premier Lloyd George has been
motoring into the country for brief
holidays between the almost constant
Cabinet meetings.
These two Irish factions surrounding
the Prime Minister represent the ire
concilables on both sides, one demand
ing independence for Ireland or nothing;
the other demanding the crushing of the
Irish rebellion or nothing.