Evening star., 1921-10-22
TELEGRAM: ITO POPE
BRINGS IRISH CRISIS
De Valera Criticised and De-
Tended for Communication
Sent to Vatican.
BY the Associated Press.


LONDON, October 22.-Michael Col
Inns. finance minister OF the dali
eireann and delegate to the confer
ence here with British government
officials looking to q settlement OF the
Irish question, left London for Dub
lin this morning. 1t was stated that
he was going to Ireland on private
business. but in the light OF the
crisis which was reached IN the coh-
ference negotiations yesterday II was
regarded propabie in political quar-
tors that the chief reason underly-
ing his visit was desire to see Ea-
nonn De Valera ana inform him or
the effect his unexpected telegram 10
Pope Benedict had produced.
1t was reported today that the Sim
Fein had been asked by the govern
ment representatives for assurances
that the question of republic IN
ireland be eliminated from the con-
ference discussions.
NO Wrong Seen.
The point was made at Sim Fem
headquarters this afternoon that MI
De Valera had said nothing in his
telegram to the Pope that he did not
say in his correspondence with Pre-
rnier Lloyd George while the latter
was at Inverness. The Sim FeinerS
called attention also to the fact of
Mr. De Valera's refusal to withdraw
his statement of republican principles
on Mr.. Lloyd Georges demand.
If it was wrong of the republican
leader to reassert this principle at
the present juncture, it was argued,
it was equally wrong OF Ring
Georges advisers to present their
own view in the kings telegram to
the Pontiff.
Political Crisis Looms.
Possible rupture of the Irish con-
ference. d general political crisis in
England and the cancellation or
Prime Minister Lloyd Georges visit
to Washington were featured by Lon
don newspapers this morning. 1t ap-
peared that the telegram sent to Pope
Benedict by Eamonn de Valera, in
which there was adverse criticism OF
King Georges recent message to the
Pontiff, appeared to be considered as
a phase of the situation which threat
ened continuance of negotiations for
finding a basis of peace in Ireland.
With one exception, the action of
Mr. de Valera was condemned by
newspapers here today, editorials
varying from hot denunciation to sor-
rowful regret. A view put forward
IN some quarters that the message to
Pope Benedict was merely piece of
.actlessness which should not be
treated too seriously was not adopted
anywhere in the London press. Some
comments charged him with insult
ing the king, the Pope and his own
delegates now in conference here.
and said he had "torpedoed the
chances of peace"
FIayed by Supporters.
Even where there was a disposition
to make the best of the incident, it
was admitted the action of MIR. de
Valera had created situation which
would need the greatest tact to
smooth over.
The Daily News, one of Mr.. de
Valera's warmest supporters. said:
This mischievous proclama ton is a
characteristic example of the activi-
ties of the evil genius who appears
usually to preside over Irish affairs.
Hope that Mr.. de Valera's real in
tentionS would prove wiser than his
formulas" was expressed by the Daily
Chronicle, a stanch supporter OF M.
Lloyd George, which declared it's con-
viction the prime minister would eao
haust every resource of wise patience
before abandoning the attempt to
attain peace"
The socialist view. as expressed by
the Daily Herald. was that King
George began the latest controversy
by referring to the Irish as my
people" in his letter to Pope Benedict.
The newspaper asserts that it was
only natural that Mr.. de Valera
should reply. and that nothing had
been altered by the telegram to
Rome. The Journal said that leach
side has merely reiterated its known
standpoint"
that the incident would threaten the
strength of the Lloyd George govern
ment, as the unionists are in open
revolt against the coalition.