CABLE NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1917, Page 3

CABLE NEWS

Home & Foreign (PXB PBEBS ASSOCIATION. —COPYBIftHT,] ' THE IRISH QUESTION. Government Proposals (Australian & N.Z, Cible, Association and Reuter),

(Received May 18, at 9.5 a.m.) London, May 17

Hon Lloyd Georga has written to Mr KedmoDd emphasising that any settlement they could propose during war time must be one substantially accepted by both sid9P. He was unable to negotiate, with the Irish representatives owing, to the decision of the Nationalists not to negotiate with the Government. The latter seek to concede in the largest possible measure Homs Rule seonrable by agreement at this moment, Parliament to effect a finai settlement after the war of questions most m dispute.

He was prepared to introduce a Bill on Home Rale for Ireland, excluding six counties of Ulster, such exclusion to* be subjact to reconsideration by Pailiament at the end of five years, unless terminated in the meantime^

. By the propcsed Council of Ireland Bill he proposes that the latter Council consist of all members returned to Westminister from the excluded areh> and a delegation of equal numbers from the Irish Parliament, the Council to be empowered by majority votes of each delegation to pass private bills and 'legislation affecting any part of Ireland.

He the Crown extend to the excluded area auv Aot of the Irish Parliament to agree to the iaelusion of the whole of Ireland under the Home Rule Act subject to the assent of the majority of voters in the excluded area.

To make recommendations upon the Irish question including amendment to the Home Rule Act. The President of the Counoil to be elected by agreement between the delegations or in default of agreement by the Crown. If Government consider the ficaocial proposals of tho Home Rule Aot unsatisfactory they ought to be reconsidered.

A number of important objects such as the development of industries, bousing in towns, and education, cannot be adequately dealt with under that Aot without .unduly burdening the Irish tax payers.

A conference similar to theSpeaker’a pn the electoral reform would follow the second reading of the proposed bill wb.ch is as far as Government can possibly go in the crisis of the great war.

He was prepared to introduce such a measure if assured that something like the Becond reading was .aooeptable to both Irish parties.

As an alterna s ive, and in the last re o - t, he wouffi propose a convention of Irishmen of u'l parties for the purpose of producieg a scheme of selfGovernmeDt. The constitution of the union of Soath Africa was framed despite the most formidab'e difficulties and obstacles, by a convention representing all interested parties in the country. *

Government believes a similar expedient in Ireland can possibly be effectual and be invites their views on ibis latter, which will enable the Government to consider the matter before Monday.