Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-07-09
IRISH SENTIMENT
FAVORS SETTLEMENT
SAYSEARL MIDDLETON
He Says the People Hope for an
Early Agreement That VIII
Prove Permanent.
GREAT PUBLIC INTEREST
py. Aasociated - b - Evsnlrr.

BY Associated Press % Every Evening.
London. July 9.-Premier Lloyd
George viii, II was authoritativeiy an
nounced this afternoon. accept Eamonn
dc Yalera's proposal Of yesterday and
meet the Republican leader 10 dis
cuss the basis for a formal conferences.
The meeting viii probably occur next
week.
Announcement Of the date upon
which this proposed conference be-
tween North Irish and south Irish
chicftains would be held IN this city.
was anxiCusly awaited By London to-
day. The fact that truce between
the crown forces In Ireland and tho
Sim Fein would become effective next
Monday was taken as an indication in
some quarters that the meeting q
Mr.. de calera and Mr.. Lloyd George
would not sc long delayed.
Mr.. Lloyd George left for Chequers
Court. his suburban home. today. IN
company with General Jan Christian
Smuts and other Dominion Prerlers
who are in London 10 attend the I'm
perial Conference. Il seemed pro-
bable that during the weekend a
Chequers Court arrangements viii "a
made for the meeting between tbs
British Prime Minister ard the Lead
ing Sim Feiner.
Earl Middleton. South Irish Unlon-
ist leader, reached London. TODAY. after
having travelled nearly an night from
Dublin, and was immeciia rely received
in audience by King George. u u un-
derstood he reported 70 the King de-
tails Of yesterdays momeutous cou-
ference at Dublin. at which a truce.
in Ireland was arranged and steps were
taken 10 bring together E.amonn de
Valera and Prime Minister LLOYD
George.
The wrofe country. tnis morning.
Was seethine with talk over peace 4,
Ireland, which was one absorbing
topic OF conversation.
Earl Middleton at Holyhead. this
morning, on his way 10 London. ex-
pressed belief that the terms Il
Eamonn de Valera's letter 20 Premier
Lloyd George accepting the suggeS-
ton Of a conference would be accept
able 10 the Prime Minister.
Sentiment in Ireland. he said in
referring 10 the public attitude there.
is overwhelmingly in favor u a state
menr, and there is fervent hope IL viii
oe possible TO arrive AT a solution that
viii be permanent"
An Attacks to Cease.
The Irish Office stated. this after
noon, that Eamonn de Valera had is-
sued instructions TO his supporters
to cease all attacks upon crown forces
and civilians and discontinue military
maneuvers OF all kinds.
The only thing remaining IS the tx
ing of the date for the conferences
which MIR. Lloyd George viii name n
his reply TO Mr.. de Valeras letter.
The government is subordinating an
other problems OF state TO the aues-
ton OF Irish peace. and Is bendinS
every effort towards preparations Tor
the meeting.
Military Patrols Withdrawn.
Military patrols were Withdrawn
from the streets Of Dublin, last even-
ing. says Central News despatch
from that city.
Many OF the police auxiiiaries were
walking the streets leisursly. fraternlz-
ing with civilians and discussing tho
prospects Of peace in Ireland. Tns
truce between the Sim Fein and tina
crown forces. may. therefore. he said
to be already begun, although ths
time for commencing Il officially hss
been set for Monday noon.
II is understood the armistice viii
be signed by Sir Nevil MacReady and
Michael Collins. commander OF tho
Irish Republican army.
Optimism at Downing Street
The instructions from Mr.. de Va
lera. the Irish Office said. were %
prohibit the use OF arms. 70 abstain
from interference with public or pri-
vate property. and 70 discountenancs
and prevent action likely to cause
disturbance OF the peace which might
necessitate military interference.
The instructions. il was added, were
effective from noon on Monday
An air Of the greatest optimism
this morning pervaded No. 20 Down.
| ing street, the premier's Official resi-
dence. and the Irish ONCE, where the
belief was freely voiced that there
vas every reason 10 hope the bi'pod-
shed in Ireland was nearing an end.
Getting at Peace Basis.
The government Of Dublin in order
TO cooperate in providing an atmcs-
phere. il is explained. "in which
peaceful discussions may be possible
has directed the following
"All searches by the military ana
police shall cease. military activity
shall be restricted 10 the support II
the police in their normal civil du-
ties.
'''rhe eurfew restrictions shall 70
removed:
THE despatch OF reinforcements
shall be suspended;
Police functions in Dublin shall ne
carried on BY the metropolitan police.-
These directions are effective froun