THE IRISH PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3094, 26 May 1917, Page 7

THE IRISH PROBLEM

VENTILATION OF VIEWS

SINN FEIN OPPOSITION

London, May 'A.

Tho Bxccutivo Committee of tho Irish Unionist Alliance met at Dublin and approved Lord Midloton's letter to 'the Prime Minister. Tho committee is taking 6teps to lay the proposed convention before tho council of tho alliance.

At a meeting of Orangemen at Monaghan it was resolved that Orangemen woro willing to discuss Irish questions with tho Nationalists, provided lhat'tho rights of Ulstermon as citizens of tho British Erapiro aro protected.—Aus.-N.Z, Cable Assn.

[lord Midleton, on behalf of Unionists in tho Soutli and West of Ireland, in a letter to Mr. Lloyd George, insisted that tho Sinn Fein movement had gained unmcnsoly in strength since the rebellion. Their operations aro actively seditious and pro-German, and their declared aim is an Irish republic. Any division Of Ireland would onormously increase' the foices of disloyalty. Southern Unionists were willing to consider the possibility of . a convention, as" already announced, and their readiness to outer into a conference on the future govern, roont of tho Empire after tho war, hoping that the Irish nuestion may bo settled on broad Imperial lines.] A. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. (Rec. May .25, 8.35 p.m.) London, May 21. In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar Law, replying to questions, said that in case tho Irish Convention/arrived at a substantial agreement, the Government w6uld not think it right to delay action until an election was : held.- Ho hoped to givo details of the composition of the convention fa-morrow.—Aiis.-N.Z, Cable Assn. ■ ' • ■ : SINN FEIN. MTITUDE: ■ ' London, May 21. The Sinn Fein Council has refused to enter tho Convention of-Irishmen unless a simple majority is given power to decree Irish independence.—Aus.-N./i. Cable Assn. FOUR CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPA- \ TION. (Hec. May -25, 5.15 p.m.) ' London, May 24. The "Central News" Agency states that -the National Council of the Sinn Fein "has unanimously refused to participate in the Irish Convention, unless: Firstly, the'terms of reference include power to decree Irish independence; ■( Secondly, the Government gives pledges to America, and other European Powers to ratify the majority decision; Thirdly; the convention is elected by adult suffrage;. •■- •" ■ ■ . . Fourthly, rebel-prisoners ore-treated as prisoners of war.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.