New-York tribune., 1922-06-06
Collins and De Valera, in
Statement, Say Coalition
Is Best Means of Get.
ting Orderly Election
London Conference
To Resume To-day
Free State Protests She'll
ing of Petiigo; so Sim
Feiners Reported Slain

Fro-, The Tribare's European Byreaa
Copyright 1929. New York Tribune Inc.
LONDON. June 5.-On the eve Of the
resumption Of the Irish conference here
tomorrow, which IL overshadowed By
the clash between British troops and
the Sim Fein forces on the Ulster
border yesterday. Michael Collins and
Eamon dc Valera issued a join, state
ment in Dublin tonight declaring in
effect that they mean to stand by their
pact, despite the objection Of the
British government u the deal between
tho Free Statcrs and the republicans.
The statement Of the Irish leaders,
who arc nov in accord, points out that
coalition is the best means Of ir.uring
peaceful and orderly election and a
stable government within the nation
and securing i. against the pcrils
which theaten IL from the outside.
Asserting that II must be remem-
bercd that the country is still in a
transitional stage. the statement says
that the election Of the coalition panel
is necessary and that. therefore. other
candidates will be requested 20 with
draw in the national interest. Il says
that 10 act now as II the country WAS
on an established basis would be un-
sound.
Plea for Sim Fein Unity
The statement is regarded not only
as rcassertiOn Of the pact between
the Free Staters and the Republicans,
in the face OF tho British govern
mont's warning through the mouth ~
he Colonial Secretary. but also as an
appeal for the closing up OF the Sim
Fcin ranks In the coming election. The
nominations for this election will be
made tomorrow. So far there arc Up
ward % forty candidates against the
Sim Fcin coalition. but u Is expected
that many 81 them will retire under
pressure of the coalition
Although Michael Collins clearly
does not intend 20 let his pact with
De Valera 90 into the discard there
Is AZ tho same time a more optimis-
tic feeling In official circles here, In
view Of reports from Dublin, that after
the weekend conferences the Free
staters are more willing 10 modify
their draft of the constitution in order
10 meet the objections Of the British
government
Arthur Grifith and some Of his coll
leagues left London tonight TO at
tend the conference which is 70 be re-
sumcd in Downing Street, but II is
understood that Collins will not be
present unless he receives special
request from the British government.
Collins seems 10 take the view that
IL is his business 10 try 10 pull the
situation in Ireland together along the
lines OF the pact he made with De
Valera. leaving Griffith 70 iron out
the difficulties that arise under 10 with
the British government.
Restraining Influence Seen
The reaction in the south Of Ireland
10 the hghtine in Ulster is seen in the
movement toward the closing up Of the
Sim l'ein ranks. but az ,he same time
il is not expected that the north will
complicate the situation when the con-
ference is resumed IN London. In other
circumstances the clash between the
British troops and the Sim Feiners
would have led 10 an explosion OF ma
tional feeling. but no doubt the exist
enee of the Collins-de Nalern pact has
tended 20 exercise a restraining in
fuence in a dangerous situation.
According 10 British official reports
day. the fight al Pettigo lasted FIVE
hours. On the British side there was
only one man killed. and the British
now reckon the Sim Fein losses as at
least seven killed. aside from the six
teen captured, including the Sim Fein
commander. Il was necessary 10 fire
high explosive shells TO dislodge the
snipers. says the report. which is care
ful 70 point out that although the ter
ritory occupied was outside the Ulster
border. this occupation was limited 90
one mile Of country. which was neces-
sary % hold in view OF the fact that II
is on dominating high ground.
50 Sim Fein Dead Report
Unofficial reports put the Sim Fein
Losses as hifh as fifty killed. most Of
whom were victims Of she'll fire behind
the village during the retreat OF the
Sim Fciners. The rebels were given
fifteen minutes 20 quit their positions,
and most cf them withdrew, out about
fcorSioued cn psc. fourl