New-York tribune., 1921-09-09
Question of GUARANTEES
Is Open 10 Discussion,
Lloyd George Assures
De Valera in Letter
London Believes
Peace Road Open
Sept. 20 Is Fixed as Date
for Conference; Quick
Reply Demanded, Fur
ther Notes Held Useless
By Arthur S. Draper

From, The Tribune's Europedn Bureau
Copyright. 1921. New York Tr;Aunc Inc
LONDON, Sept. S.-If Sim Fein
wants to send its leaders to meet the
British Cabinet they may come un-
tranlmeled by conditions and free to
point out in what ways Lloyd
Georges peace offer is inadequate,
the Premier has written Eamon de
Valera, the republican leader. The
way to complete discussion is open,
except that any proposals for the
reputation of the crown or the SET
ting up of an Irish republic are "ire-
possible"
The Premier's communication, the
text of which was made public here
to-day, invites the Sim Fein leaders
to confer with the members of the
British government at Inverness,
Scotland, on September 20, s'to as
certain how the association of Ire
land with the community of nations
known as the British Empire can
best be reconciled with Irish national
aspirations
The note, free as it is of restric-
tlons on the proposed meeting, is be-
lleved here to make the way easy for
acceptance by De Valera and his
followers.
Puts End to Note Writing
The Lloyd George reply, most recent
link in the correspondence that has
been exchanged in the last six weeks
between London and Dublin. is couched
In temperate language, although it says
plainly: "I think you will agree that
this correspondence has lasted long
enough The note. which is short, De-
gins by refusing to accept the inter
probation proposed by De Valera, that
further parleys be held on the broad
principle of government by the consent
of the governed. That, says Lloyd
George, would commit the British gov
ernment to acceptance Of the setting
up of ar Irish republic
"You must be aware" says the com
munication, that conference on such
a basis is impossible"
Premier Lloyd George ADDS, how
ever, that De Valera, in the suggested
conference at Inverness, may raise the
subject of guarantees on any point on
which he considers that Irish freedom
is prejudiced by the British proposals.
Liberties Subject to Discussion
The Premier says he hesitates to draw
from the Sim Fem leaders latest let
ter that he repudiates all allegiance
to the crown and all membership in the
British commonwealth, and points out
that this inference would make all con-
ference vain. The Premier expresses
the hope that such an inference was
mistaken, and says the objection that
the goyernme ents PROPOSALS offer Ire
land less than the liberty described
can be explored at the conference.
In conclusion, Lloyd George asks a
definite reply to the invitation TO meet
the Cabinet.
AS viewed here, Premier Georges
letter seems to be designed as an at
tempt to reconcile the differences be-
tween the British and Irish points of
view. 1t makes clear that the Cabinet
will not talk independence and implies
that the final formula of association
must square with the six conditions
originally laid down by the Premier.
1t does not demand from De Valera.
however, formal reputation Of his de-
mand for independence in advance of
the conference. 1t only invites him to
confer on the basis Of reconciling Irish
national aims with the makeup of the
British Empire.
The note, 'foreshadowing the close Of
the protracted negotiations with Dub
lin is regarded in London as marking
q long sten fnWard npacc