Volume 1 1919~1922


Doc No.
Date
Subject

No. 157 Reprinted from Official correspondence relating to the peace negotiations June-September 1921 (Dublin, 1921)

Eamon de Valera to David Lloyd George (Gairloch, Scotland)

Mansion House, Dublin, 30 September 1921

30 Meadhon Foghmhair, 1921
A Chara,
Fuaireamair do litir ag tabhairt chuireadh dhúinn chum Comhdhála i Lundain ar an 11adh Deire Foghmhair 'chum a dhéanamh amach conus is fearr is féidir an bhaint a bheidh idir an Saor-Chumann Náisiún ar a nglaodhtar Impireacht Shasana agus cuspóir náisiúnta mhuintir na hEireann do réidhteach.'

Do mínigheadh conus mar atá an sgéal ag an dá thaobh agus tuigtear é, agus táimíd ar aon aigne leat gur comhdháil agus ní comhfhreagrachas an tslighe is fearr agus is mó dóchas chum teacht ar chomh-thuisgint sa chúrsa. Glacaimíd leis an gcuireadh agus teangmhóidh ár dTeachtaí leat i Lunndain ar an lá atá luaidhte 'd'fhonn gach is féidir a dhéanamh chum réidhtigh do thástáil le díospóireacht bhéil.'

Mise, do chara gan cháim,
Eamon de Valera

(Official Translation).

Sir,
We have received your letter of invitation to a Conference in London on October 11th 'with a view to ascertaining how the association of Ireland with the community of Nations known as the British Empire may best be reconciled with Irish national aspirations.'

Our respective positions have been stated and are understood, and we agree that conference, not correspondence, is the most practical and hopeful way to an understanding. We accept the invitation, and our Delegates will meet you in London on the date mentioned 'to explore every possibility of settlement by personal discussion.'

Faithfully yours,
Eamon de Valera