Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-06-27
DE VALERAE
EXPECTED TO
MEET PREMIER
Belief is Entertained That
Irish Republic Head Will
Accept Invitation.
Note Of Lloyd George Said
to Have Created Sensa-
ton in Dublin. :

London, June 27.-Belief that Ea-
monn DeValera, president Of the
Irish republic" will accept Premier
Lloyd Georges invitation to come to
London for a conference with the
government and Premier Craig of Ul-
ster. destsned to bring shout p settle
'ment of the Irish problem, 10 ex.
pressed in the majority of$Ereports
reaching here from Dublin.
All: reportse agree that Lloyd
GeorEesa'anvitation caused profound
sensation in Dublin and that the ques-
ton whether DeValera would accept
was the subject Of universal specu-
tlation. 4
Sources predicting that DeValera
will accept are generally agreed that
he probably will attach sharp condi-
tlons to his acceptance. one being that
more binding guarantees than wer.
contained in Lloyd Georges letter
must be given regarding the safe con-
duct of certain of his colleagues whom
DeValera may wish to accompany
him. This applies especially to
Michael Collins, former commander
in-chief of the Irish republican army
and Richard Mulcahy, who frequent
ly has been referred % in England az
an organizer of assassinAtions."
Change in Attitude.
1t Is stated In some quarters that
DeValera would not go to London
was predicted that he would insis,
upon release of other men now in
termed or imprisoned in order tina,
they might accompany him. 1t wai
pointed out that the wording OF the
premier's letter would make it i'm.
possible for him to refuse such a de.
mand. This was considered to consti
tute remarkable and sigpifican,
change in the attitude Of the British
premier, who earlier in the year had
excepted certain Sim Feiners from
those whom he would be willing tc
receive as negotiators. The men ex-
cepted has been denounced in the
house Of commons as murderers.
In the event that DeValera refuses
the premier's invitation, it is generally
believed that the government will
make energetic preparations for Wig.
orous campaign to suppress Sim Feir
activities in the west and south
Troops which could be used for this
purpose are constantly arriving ir
Ireland.
Soldiers May BE Needed.
In some sources 1t is predicted tina,
needed even if DeVAlera consents tc
negotiate, as it is held that he will b.
unable to stop the activities Of Sinr
Fein riflemen without British help.
Moderate Sim Feiners are repre-.
sented as being extremely anxious
that DeValera. accept Premier Lloyc
Georges invitation. 1t is said tina,
they can see no possibility OF ending
the conflict under present condition!
and that they fear terrible results i
an intensified military campaign j,
begun as result Of rejection OF Lloyt
Georges overtures.
An authority anonymously quoted
by the Daily Mail in the dispatche.
from Dublin declared that peace
would be possible IL the British gov
ernment agreed to permit ireland t.
govern herself. excluding only matter.
pertaining to foreign relations. tn.
army, navy, and other strategical con
siderations, and if the six northern
counties were granted by the rest O.
Ireland such measures Of self govern
ment as DeValera has indicated hi
willingness to concede. with the limit,
Of an autonomous ireland. Such /.
settlement. however this authorit.
pointed out, would involve abandon
ment OF the demand for complete in
dependence and might. for that rea
son, be repudiated by the extremists