Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-08-15
HNN FE|NERS STILL
HOPE TO AVERT BREAK
Irish Republican Parliament is
Called for Informal Pre-
Iiminary Consultation.
ey Associated press % Every Evening

BY Associated Press 20 Every Evening
Dublin. Aug 15--An Informal
meeting Of the Irish Republican Par
lament was the chief manifestation
today of the activity observable in
both Sim Fein and Dublin Castle
uuarters as the result Of the new
turn in the Irish negotiations follow
ing the disclosures in the corrcspon-
dence between Mr. Lloyd George and
Eamon de Valera.
The meeting was held in the Man
sion House at noon to give the mem
bers many of whom had never met.
an opportunity 70 become acquainted
and exchange notes prior 20 the SUM-
nloned meeting Of the Parliarnent
which win be held tomorrow TO con-
si5er the negotiations.
Members Make FIRST Appearance.
Some ~ the members Of the Dali
Eireann have been on the run. others
having been fighting with the Irish
Republican army and stili others were
making their first appearance in Dub
lin since their release from prison or
internment camp.
sir John Anderson under secretary
for ireland. who had much 10 do uith
the initiation Of the negotiations. hur-
riedly returned today from Scotland.
where he had been on a holiday. 10
use his influence against definite
break. He Immediately went into con-
ference with Sir Neville MacReady.
commander of the forces in ireland,
and other officials. believing there is
probability of the Sim Fein sc-
cepting the governments offer.
Fear Truce is Nearing End
The military element. on the other
l hand. is not SO optimistic. IL is
credited with fearing that the truce
I is nearing an end
The optimists in the Dublin Castle
body base their hopes on several
4 factors The first is that a four days
session OF the Republican Parliament
has been arranged for. II the Re-
publican Cabinet had decided 10 recon-
mend immediate rejection OF the
terms. they argue. one day would have
been sufficient.
Would Eesume Warfare Reiuciantiy.
Another factor pointed &c is thar
many OF the fighting men on the Re-
publican side have returned 10 civil
employment. The police declare the
evidence they have gathered indicates
these men would obey orders 10 return
to the field. but that they would do 50
reluctantly. The votes OF such men.
the optimists figure. would almost
certainly be for settlement II a
plebiscitc Were taken and these castle
officials believe the Republican cabinet
viii propose referendum.
Again there is the attitude o. the press
supporters OF the Sim Fein, whose
editorials some officials interpret az
at least a suggestion that the prime
minister's terms. with the addition of
the pledge OF the support of the do
minions given by General Smuts IN
his letter To Mr.. de Valera, should be
laccepted. which the affect OF the Smuts
letter in the dominions and the United
Il States is also believed likely TO have
an influence upon Mr.. de Valera AMI
his supporters.
I The pessimists among the officials.
meanwhile indicate their belief that
the resumption OF war is at hand; that
the Dali Eireann viii merely repeat
Mr.. de Valeras letter in it, reply to
the British premier. and that the backs
OF the Ulsterites and their supporters
in the cabinet. having been stifference
lby the terms of the Republican lead
ers' letter, Mr.. Lloyd George would
place his government in danger by go
ing any further towards meeting ths
Sim F'ein claims.
Surprise is expressed in some quar-
ters that Mr.. de Valera did not ask
the British government for general
lamnesty" which Is live question Cor
the moment. one Of the newspapers
having caused the posting of placards
throughout the city bearing the solgan
!. release for ALL"