IRISH SETTLEMENT

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 70, 15 December 1921, Page 7

IRISH SETTLEMENT

THE POSITION OF ULSTER CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING THE TREATY PUBLISHED BY MR. LLOYD GEORGE In consequence of Sir James Craig’s speech to the Northern Parliament, in which he said the treaty had not carried out Mr. Lloyd George’s solemn pledges ! that Ulster’s rights would not be prejudiced or sacrificed, the Prime Minister decided to publish the correspondence in connection with the treaty. By Telearaph— Proaa Association—Oanrrfght London, December 13. Sir James Craig announced in the Ulster Parliament that Mr. Lloyd George had intimated that, in consequence of Sir James Craig’s speech on Monday, he proposed to publish the whole correspondence in connection with the treaty.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. December 14, 9 p.m.) London, December 13. The correspondence between Mr. Lloyd George and Sir James Craig was published to-day. ULSTER CABINET INVITED TO CONFER. Mr. Lloyd George, writing on November 10, invited the Ulster Cabinet to confer regarding the final proposals for an Irish settlement, which were based: Firstly, on Irish allegiance to the Throne and equal partnership of the Free States with tho Empire. Secondly, tho provision of naval securities. Thirdly, Northern Ireland to retain all tho powers conferred by tho Homo Rulo Act. Fourthly, tho unity of Ireland to bo recognised and the establishment, of an AU-Ireland Parliament. “Northern Ireland will no doubt see many dangers in a settlement on these lines,” tho Prime Minister said. “It may be objected, for instance, that tho patronage involved in the various public Departments might bo unfairly exercised on religious and other grounds. Although Ulster would retain control of its education and kindred subjects, the Irish Government would be in a position to withhold the funds necessary to defray tho administrative cost. Moreover, it might bo feared that if an All-Iroland Parliament were to control tho import and export trade, the industries of Ulster would be imperilled. His Majesty’s Government recognise the force of these objections, and desire a consultation with yourself and the Cabinet as to how they can best be met. The Government are aware of the objections Northern Irishmen feel to participation on any terms in an All-Ireland Parliament, and have therefore examined some alternatives and their consequences.” Mr. Lloyd George continued, that their study convinced them that grave difficulties would bo raised for both parts of Ireland if jurisdiction over reserved subjects were not conferred upon a common authority. Pointing out the difficulties in connection with Customs barriers between tho North and South and the recasting of tho financial proposals, Mr. Lloyd George proceeds: “It is tho essence of Dominion status that the contribution of a Dominion towards Imperial charges be voluntary! If Northern Ireland is part of an Irish State, its contribution will bo voluntary. On tho other hand, if the South became a Dominion, while the North, as part, of the United Kingdom, had representation in the Imperial Parliament, it is clear that Ulster would have to bear a proportionate share in all tho Imperial burdens. It must be evident that the people of Britain arc making important sacrifices in the settlement in offering to forgo t,he right to exact from Ireland any contribution to future Imperial expenses. It is impossible to deal with the question adequately in correspondence.” Mr. Lloyd George invited the Northern Ministry to confer with tho British Cabinet.

THE QUESTION OF ALLEGIANCE, Sir James Craig, replying on November 11, expressed surprise that tho question of allegiance was included in tho proposals to be discussed, inasmuch as Mr. Lloyd George himself had stated that it was not open to discussion. The Government of Northern Ireland considered the allegiance of Southern Ireland was a matter resting with the British Ministry. Sir Janies Craig said that nevertheless the loyal population of Ireland would be glad to feel assured regarding tho permanent allegiance of South Ireland to the King, and that, its enduring participation in the partnership of tho Empire would be no longer questioned. "An All-Ireland Parliament cannot, under existing circumstances be accepted 'by Northern Ireland. Ulster’s detestation thereof is in no degree diminished by tho local institutions conferred under the Act of 1920. The people of North Ireland are convinced that no paper safeguards will protect them against maladministration, and their objection to participation in an All-Irclnnd Parliament, has been materially strengthened by recent events.” Sir James Craig continued: "For these reasons the Government of North Ireland feel compelled to state that any discussion will be fruitless unless the British Ministry consent to withdraw tho proposal of an AllIroland Parliament.” Sir James Craig goes on to suggest that “an alternative which British Ministers do not. appear to have considered is that reserved powers, instead of being entrusted to a common authority, should bo conferred on tho Governments of Southern and Northern Ireland within the area of their respective jurisdiction. This might involve Northern Ireland losing her representation in the Imperial Parliament, but this would bo a lessor evil than inclusion in an All-Troland Parliament.

OBJECTIONS TO SEPARATE DOMINIONS.

Mr. Lloyd George, replying on November 14, points out: "Sir James Crain’s counter-proposals that Southern and Northern Ireland should bo constituted two separate Dominions in our judgment is indefensible. The British Cabinet is opposed to it on the 'broad ground of Imperial principle. The creation of two Dominions in Ireland, one of twenty-six. and the other of six counties, would fundamentally change the existing system of Imperial organisation. The. status of the Dominions is based upon the gradual amalgamation of large territories and scattered colonies into natural units of self-government.” Mr. Lloyd George concluded by asking the Ulster Government, to enter the conference without making preliminary conditions.

Sir .Idmes Craig, on November 17, replied. insisting on tho desirability of granting Ulster- the status of a separate Dominion rather than placing Ulster under Sinn Fein. "If Ulster is forced to leave tho United Kingdom against the wishes of her people, she will desire to be left in a position to make her own fiscal and international policy, and retain British traditions, ideals, language, and currency." Sir .Tames Craig’s attack of influenza then Intervened.

Mr. Lloyd George on November 18 suggested an informal talk when Sir James Craig had recovered. ALTERNATIVES FOR NORTHERN IRELAND. Mr. Lloyd George on December 5 wrote enclosing a copy of tho Irish settlement terms. In the covering letter he pointed out: “Tho Government of Northern Ireland had been invited to choose between two alternatives: First, retaining all existing powers, she will enter the Irish Free State with such additional guarantees as may bo arranged at the conference. Under the second alternative she will retain her present powers, but in respect to all matters not already delegated sho will share the rights and obligations of Great Britain. In 1 the latter case we feci unable to defend the existing boundary, which must bo subject to revision on one side and the other by a boundary commission.” Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. sinn feinTommandants DECIDE TO SUPPORT GRIFFITH AND COLLINS. (Rec, December 14, 9.40 p.m.) London, December 13. A meeting of Sinn Fein commandants in charge of gunmen decided to support Messrs. Griffiths and Collins. The decision is considered to lead without trouble to tho ratification of the treat). —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CHANGE _ OFBOUNDARIES CONTENTION OF TYRONE AND FERMANAGH UNIONISTS. (Rec. December 14, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 13. Tyrone and Fermanagh Unionists conferred with Sir James Craig, and contended that under the 1920 Act their consent was necessary to any change of boundaries. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE DUBLIN HIERARCHY CONFIDENCE IN IRISH DELEGATES. (Rec. December 14, 7.15 p.m.) London, December 13. After a meeting the Dublin hierarchy issued a statement expressing confidence in tho manner in which tho Irish delegates conducted the negotiations and appeal to tho people to pray for Divine guidance for the Dail Eireann members in their' deliberations in deciding Ireland’s destiny—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GENERAL SMUTS’S CO-OPERATION GRATITUDE OF AIR. LLOYD GEORGE. London, December 13. Mr. Lloyd George, replying to General Smuts’s congratulations on the Irish agreement, expresses gratitude for General Smuts’s counsel and co-operation at a difficult moment. He adds: No one could help so effectively. I shall always associate your name with our success.’’ —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.