16 JULY 1921, Page 2

When we went to press last week discussions were going

on in Dublin between Mr. De Valera and Lord Midleton and other representatives of Southern Unionism. General Smuts has also been in Dublin for several days and has seen Mr. De Valera. Sir James Craig, the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, did not take part in these dis- cussions as he was in London. On Friday, July 8th, events moved rapidly. As a result of the Dublin discussions, during part of which General Maeready was present, a truce was arranged between the Government and Sinn Fein. It was agreed that it should become operative on Monday, July 11th, at noon. Mr. De Valera, moreover, definitely undertook to meet Mr. Lloyd George to discuss the bases of the London confesenee.