From The Times: December 9, 1921
This is the gist of a statement issued by Mr de Valera at 11.45 tonight, after the Dail Cabinet had sat throughout the day: “The terms of this agreement are in violent conflict with the wishes of the majority of this nation, as expressed freely in successive elections during the past three year. I feel it my duty to inform you immediately that I cannot recommend acceptance of this Treaty either to Dail Eireann or the country. In this attitude I am supported by the Ministers of Home Affairs and Defence. A public session of Dail Eireann is being summoned for Wednesday next. I ask the people to maintain during the interval the same discipline as heretofore. Members of the Cabinet, though divided in opinion, are prepared to carry on the public services as usual. The Army is, of course, not affected by the political situation and continues under the same orders. The great test of our people has come. Let us face it worthily, without bitterness, and, above all, without recriminations. There is a definite constitutional way of resolving our political difference. Let us not depart from it, and let the conduct of the Cabinet in this matter be an example to the whole nation.”
It is understood that a majority of the Cabinet favour acceptance of the Treaty. Telegraphing earlier, our Correspondent said: “The Cabinet is sitting as I write, and its proceedings are veiled in the strictest secrecy. The Sinn Fein delegates arrived at Kingstown this morning, and were cordially received by a considerable gathering at the pier. They drove to Dublin, and took part in the Cabinet meeting at the Mansion House. There, again, they were cheered by a large crowd, and the reception given to Mr Griffith and Mr Collins was particularly hearty. Indeed, every hour furnishes new proofs of the profound satisfaction with which the vast majority of the Irish people hails the end of civil strife and the beginning of national liberty. Two important contributions to peace have been made by Mr Griffith’s letter and the release of the political prisoners. It has done much to relieve the fears of loyalists and one hopes that it will be a factor in the reconciliation of North-east Ulster to the great changes which are impending.” The release of political prisoners began this morning.