IRISH SETTLEMENT BILL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2821, 12 July 1916, Page 7

IRISH SETTLEMENT BILL

. TERMS OF THE MEASURE EXCLUSIQfr OF ULSTER The High Commissioner reports:'— , London, July 10, G. 20 p.m. Asquith to-day, introducing tho Bill embodying the Government proposals for the settlement, of tho Irish question, said that'■ the war was the one dominating factor compelling acquiescence in the measure. There were features in the agreement which none "Would voluntarily choose. The Bill was a provisional measure, the Imperial Executive retaining control under tho Defence of the Realm Act. It would remain in force for twelvo months after tho close. of the War. ■ The sis Ulster counties and the I"three Ulster parliamentary boroughs would be excluded from the operation of the Act. MR. ASQUITH'S STATEMENT ■Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. (Rec. July 11, 8.5 p.m.) London, July 11.. In announcing the Irish Settlement Bill, Mr. Asquitli, speaking in the I House of Commons, made a statement on the situation. Ho had, he 6aid, consulted all sections in Ireland, and only ono basis of settlement seemed to him \ to be possible—bringing the Homo Rule Aot into operation, and omitting the six Ulstor counties, and the boroughs of Belfast, Londonderry, and Neetry. "The ono tiling," ho said,- "which has made all parties come to an agreement is the war. Look what is going on on the Somme! ''Tho Ulster and other Irish regiments, are vying in splendid rivalry, creating a netf, bond between themselves and between .tho United Kingdom./ This, ; i4 the moment to remove, if we can, tho cause of future party Btrife, and leave the Kingdom free to concentrate ite-. energies for the achievement of victory." - It was in this , spirit, he continued, that; the Ulstermen and the Nationalists had negotiated, and tho Government offered its proposals to the House. The main changes proposed were that the Irish Houso of Commons should consist, for the time being, of those who had returned to tho Imperial Hotiso of Commons. Tho Irish Appeal Court would of Judges appointed by tho Imperial Executive. He had not received •any specific proposal from the Unionists -of West South, but tlioy would receive careful and sympathetic treatment. The Imperial Government would retain its exclusive authority on matters arising out of the war. Tho Bill, which waß a provisional measure, would remain in force for twelve months .after the war. Those who looked forward to a united Ireland had recognised that ■ a -union would .never be .effected without the freewill and assent of the excluded area. He believed that hero was a golden op- \ port unity for an arrangement .which had never before - been possible, and he appealed to the Houso to take advantage of a chnnee which might never' recur. It provided for /i lasting settlement. Sir Edward Carson said that he understood that tho six counties had definitely been eliminated. Of course, they could be included by ft Bill. Mr. Asquith : "They cannot be included without it." The machinery would be provided, for the Governriient had included the -counties. The Irish"' members would continue, to sit in the Imperial Parliament nnder. the provisions/' of tho Homo Ruin Act. STATUS OF CAPTURED REBELS. NOT THAT OF POLITICAL PRISONERS. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. • London, July 10. ' Mr. Asquith, in the House of Commons, "said" it was not' proposedto treat the Irish prisoners sentenced by courtmartial as. political prisoners.