The New York herald., 1922-02-04
Belief Idea Is Premature
and May Defer Final
settlement.
PERIL NORTH AND SOUTH
If Craig Yields, Belfast Talks
Of War and Collins Faces
League.

Special Gable to THE NEW YORK HERALD.
Copyright, 1929, by THE NEW York HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau
Dublin, Feb. 3.
Michael Collins, head of the provi-
sonal Government of the Irish Free
State, to-day made a bold suggestion
to Sir James Craig. Premier of Ulster,
in a statement on last nights break
down between them on the Ulster
boundary issue. He says, in effect, to
Ulster: "Join your fellow countrymen
In devising constitution for the
whole country, and then the boun-
daries went matter"
1t is admitted here that Sir James's
vehement statement in London Gre
ates grave situation, but Dublin has
hopes that the Collins suggestion was
based upon information of listers
willingness to cooperate. But, despite
their faith in Collins, the best informed
in Dublin fear the suggestion of an
absolute union Of the two parts of Ire
land was made prematurely and may
serve as setback to an ultimate set
Element.
Mr.. Collins made his statement after
meeting to-day of the Provisional Gov
etnment. Quoting Article XII. of the
Treaty of London to show that the
marking of the boundary line between
the north and south Of Ireland rests
in the hands of the inhabitants In the
areas concerned, he points out that any
map marked on this principle would Sc
cure to southern Ireland very large anti
partition areas In the north. His pro-
posal to Sir James is that recognizing
the changed circumstances arising from
recent events, all the parliamentary
representatives of the whole Of Ireland
should be called together to frame and
adopt constitution for our common
country.
..Sir James complains" adds Mr.. Col
llns, that he has been tricked by Bri-
tish statesmen. hence the deadlock last
evening. II that is so II Is further
convincing argument for only dealing
between Irishmen on what are Irish
issues"
Problems ON Both SIDES.
1t is thoroughly recognized that Sir
James has an internal political problem.
in which possibly his enemies could
raise against him the cry that he gave
away half Of northern Ireland. But Mr..
Collins and the Provisional Government
likewise have an even more pressing
domestic political problem. They must
face their bitter foe, Eamon de Valera.
IN the Gaelic League, the meeting or
which has been postponed because or
the railroad strike from February to
February 21, and IL they face him with
anything suggesting an abandonment OF
the Nationalists of Tyrone, Fermanagh.
Derry. Enniskillen and Newry they must
face reiterated clamor from those
territories that they be taken into south
ern Ireland This would strengthen tre-
mendously the De Valera opposition in
the Sim Fein convention.
Sir James's abrupt break when Mr..
Collins showed him maps yesterday
alsv is understood here. II is limited,
however, that Mr.. Collins did not show
him those maps in an endeavor to wrest
this territory from Ulster, but in order
10 demonstrate visually what an abb
surdly small part of Ireland would
remain under the northern Parliament
II the majorities In the districts men
toned were consulted.
Meanwhile AIR. Collins and his asso-
cates are finding themselves in a more
and more difficult position. such as
Mr. Lloyd George occupied. between
the southern republicans and the
northern loyalists, seeking to find a
compromise. Ulster pressure. on the
other hand. may strengthen the hands
OF Mr.. Collins in the Sim Fein and
Dali Eireann. He can easily show that
IL there is trouble getting his Free
State program and oath accepted in
the north. Mr.. DE valera's oath and
Document No. g. are all the more
Impossible.
ucuf fu ~ TnII nj I'll
The prospect OF trouble is increasing,
however. with Belfast talking openly OF
civil war and the fiery Derry Corpora
ton equally threatening the other side.
Throughout Fermanaah and Tyrone II
is reported that armed bands are ready
TO clash at almost any moment.
Mr.. Collinss statement tonight has
an extremely pacifatory tone, despite
Sir James's break yesterday.
Our claim Is that clear majoritles
must rule" he said. MANY OF our
followers are inclined to think we gave
more than we received. We are deter
mined on peace policy and made
generous gesture in recommending the
removal OF the boycott. and IL the
response s equally generous peace would
not now be in danger. Repeatedly we
have said that the North has nothing
TO fear from us. Sir James Craig en-
phasized the abiding historical contln-
ual attachment of his people for such
places as Derry and InnIskillen No
less strong is the attachment OF our
people for the same places. The ex-
clusion or inclusion of them will not
bring salvation and peace 10 those
places. What will bring peace Is that
the Orange Protestants and the Ma
fional Catholics shall be citizens Of the
same state. This can be achieved only
IN the unity Of Ireland"