Anglo-Irish conference in London moves closer to agreement on draft Irish constitution
London, 14 June 1922 – Talks between representatives of the Irish Free State and British government are taking place in London this week.
These discussions, which began at the start of this month, have focused on a number of issues pertaining to the future administration of Ireland including the drafting of a constitution, and the provisions to be made for the safeguarding of minorities. Yesterday an Irish delegation comprising Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins, Kevin O’Higgins and Hugh Kennedy met with a group of southern unionists, which included Lord Midleton.
According to the Press Association, Winston Churchill, on behalf of the British signatories of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, expressed satisfaction at the progress made during this month’s talks and believed that terms of agreement had been reached on important points of a draft constitution.
Earlier this month, the Daily Express newspaper observed that the ‘vital question at issue is no longer the treaty, but the constitution – or, rather, how far the constitution accords with the treaty… Mr de Valera and Mr Collins will do well to realise the seriousness of the position. If they imagine that the British Empire will tolerate the existence of a seceding body which repudiates the crown they are making the gravest possible error.’
The Anglo-Irish discussions have continued against the backdrop of mounting tension along the border between Northern Ireland and the Free State, with Mr Collins at one point writing to Mr Churchill to request an inquiry into the clashes between the IRA and crown forces in Pettigo.
[Editor's note: This is an article from Century Ireland, a fortnightly online newspaper, written from the perspective of a journalist 100 years ago, based on news reports of the time.]
