20 AUGUST 1921, Page 1
The first is that we have never read a more
definite and cynical declaration of the Sinn Fein intention to override the wishes of North-East Ulster, to detach her by compulsion from her true allegiance, and to deprive her of all rights of self-determination, than that made by Mr. De Valera on Wednesday. According to him, it does not matter how much may be offered to Southern Ireland—it is all of no use, simply because the predominantly Unionist and Protestant counties are not brought in. In other words, the Southern Irish will not consent to rule themselves unless they are also allowed to rule that section of Ireland which hates and distrusts them and which in mere numbers exceeds the population of a self-governing Dominion like New Zealand!
