Evening star., 1921-08-15
ULSTER STANDING FIRM.
Refuses to Join Any Plan to Dis
solve From Britain.

BELFAST, Ireland, August 14-The
text Of the Ulster cabinets observa-
tions On the British governments pro-
posal for peace in Ireland. signed by
Sir James Craig. the Ulster premier,
was made public here tonight. The
statement says that the acceptance by
the Ulster leaders of the original in
vitations Of the British government
to meet In conference with it in Lon
don still holds good and that they will
be available at any time their assist
anoe is again desired. The statement
reads:
MY Dear Prime Minister: Your pro-
posals for an Irish settlement now
have been exhaustively examined by
my cabinet and myself. We realize
the preamble is especially addressed
TO Mr.. de Valera and his followers. and
observe it implies that difficulties
pire and in America. attributable to
persons of Irish extraction.
'In fairness to the Ulster people,
must point out that they have always
aimed at retention of their citizen
ship in the United Kingdom and the
form a part. and there are not to be
found in any quarter of the world
more loyal citizens than those of
Ulster descent. They hold fast to
cherished traditions. and deeply re-
sent any infringement of their rights
and privileges, which belong equally
to them and to other citizens within
the empire"
sncrihces Are Recalled.
The text then recalls the sacrifices
made in agreeing to self-government
and in consenting to the establish
ment of parliament in northern
Ireland.
against our wish. but in the in
terest of peace" the statement. con-
tinued. I'VE accepted this as the final
settlement of the long outstanding
difficulty with which Great Britain
engaged in ratifying our part of this
solemn bargain. while the 1rishmen
outside the northern area, who In the
past have struggled for home rule,
have chosen to repudiate the govern
ment of Ireland act and press Great
Britain for wider powers. To join in
such pressure is repugnant to the
people Of northern ireland.
1--WE are determined not to interfere
with the terms of settlement between
us, to safeguard the ties that bind
US to Great Britain and the empire, to
insure that we are not prejudiced by
any terms entered into between them
and Mr.. de Valera, and to maintain
the just equality exhibited throughout
the government of Ireland act.
Original Acceptance Open.
Our acceptance of your original in
vitation to meet in conference in
London holds good, and if at any time
our assistance again is desired we
are available. But feel bound to ac-
quaint you that no meeting is possi-
BILE between Mr.: de Valera and myself
until he recognizes that northern Ire
land will not submit to any other
authority than that of his majesty, the
king, and the parliament of the Unit
ed Kingdom. and admits the sanctity
of the existing powers and privileges
of the parliament and government of
northern Ireland.
'.In conclusion, let me assure you
that peace is as earnestly desired by
INV government and myself as by you
and yours, and, although we have
nothing left to give away. we are pre-
pared, when you and Mr.. de Valera ar
rive at satisfactory settlement, to
cooperate with southern Ireland on
equal terms for the future welfare of
our common country. In order to
avoid any misunderstanding or mis-
representation of our views. I intend
to publish this letter when your pro.
posals are made public"