THE PLOTS IN IRELAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1918, Page 3

THE PLOTS IN IRELAND.

! [pi* 'I PRESS ASSOCIATION.* -COPYRIGHT.) j EXPLANATION IN COMMONS. ! A STIRRING INDICTMENT. ! (Received. This Dnv at 8.50. a.m.) LONDON, June 2(5. In the Commons, Mr. Short stated that circumstances iu Ireland to-day were complicated, and anxious. When Hon. Lloyd, early in April explained the Government’s Irish policy, there was every appearance that both Home Rule and conscription could be carried to a successful conclusion but since then circumstances wore entirely changed firstly owing to tho discovery of a German plot in Ireland which was a real ami imminent danger to Britain; and secondly because the anti-conscript-ion feeling had been used by the extremists in conjunction with the Germon plot. He did not suggest that any substantial proportion of the nnti-con-scriptionists knew they were being so used.

It lmd been suggested that the plot was a bogus one intended to injure Ireland. He regretted to say that it actually existed. He gave striking examples of German propaganda and intrigue in Ireland. The sources whereon Government relied both in Ireland and outside had always proved reliable.

He traced the activity of Germany ngents in Ireland from 1913 and since the war. Messages not only went to Ireland from German sources but to Germany from Irish sources. Government knew that, in a certain German port, a large amount of ammunition was loaded into two submarines and enemy submarines were seen in localities where the destruction of shipping could not have been their object*. The anti-conscription movement has seditious speaking outrages, and millproduced a reerudiscence of drilling, night raids for arms, which entirely unfitted any country for a peaceful settlement of any of its domestic questions. Both Lord French and he, after a thorough investigation in Ireland, had concluded that it was absolutely essential, as a preliminary to any form of conscription that Ireland should lie given an opportunity to voluntarily take her part in the war. Cabinet adopted that vew, hence Lord French’s proclamation. Lord French himself said it was as difficult a pro--Icm as had ever faced a Minister of the Crown. They would try to do their best, but they would want the help of everybody in Ireland and of all parties to secure a settlement.

Mr Short in reply to a question, said a certain man mentioned had not* been shot. Government did not desire any more executions, if they could ensure, the safety of the Realm without, hut if otherwise, the responsibility would ho upon those who forced it upon us.

SIR E. CARSON’S VIEWS. Received, this day nt 8 -45 n.m. LONDON, Juno 26. Sir Edward Carson said there was an unanswerable ease for the introduction of conscription in Ireland, but Hon. Llo.vd George had proceeded to bribe. Ireland, by promising immediate Home Rule. lie appealed to Irishmen in all parts of Ireland to vindicate their country’s honour, and take a share in the war of freedom. It. was not- a question of Ireland assisting England, but of assisting civilisation to drive back barbarism. Ho declared that the Roman Catholic hierarchy had went to lengths in connection with eon.cription which no modern civilised community ought to tolerate.

LLOYD GEORGE IN REPLY. (Reuter’s? Telegram.) f Received T’liio Dav -•* 1! 25. a.m LONDON, June 26. In tho House of Commons, Hon Lloyd George, speaking to the Irish debate, emphasised the difficulties and perplexities of the Irish problem. It was a problem for the Government of Ireland without the full assent of the Irish people, nnd any failures should bo viewed indulgently, because the Government wore largely pre-occupied in the tremendous responsibilities of prosecuting the war. Ho believed it was not beyond the capacity of the House to carry through a measure of Home Rule dealing equitably with the legitimate objections of a large part, of the Irish community, but discovering the recent conspiracy and tho antagonism of tho Church toward conscription (con-

stituting a challenge to the Imperial supremacy) had antagonised feeling outside Ireland and the Commons to Home Rule. Until the atmosphere created by their challenge was* removed it was impossible to attempt Home Rule legislation. The whole temper of the assenting Irish Unionists had been altered, while the attitude of tlie Sinn Feiners, as regards the pro-Ger-man plot was the deadliest blow to the liberties of Ireland, occurring in the speaker’s lifetime. He wap still hopeful a conciliatory spirit would ho recreated enabling a settlement of the Irish question during the war. Ireland was a war problem. As long as a settlement was not obtained, our difficulties would he increased, also those of the United (States. He appealed to Sir Edward Carson to show the same spirit as he did two years ago, and persuade j Ulster to secure (failing the assent ' of the people of Ireland), imperial unity. The Government adverted to the policy proclaimed on April 9th, but in the methods of its administration Government would be advised by proved administrators. Ireland ought to take its share in the war. We arc fi eh ting for the principle wherefore Ireland struggled, therefore he hoped Ireland would voluntarily take its share. It now was the duty of the Government, before proceeding further, to give Ire-

land an opportunity of voluntarily go- : ing into the struggle. ! Rt. Hon. Asquith, following ngreed as regards the urgency of an Irish settlement as a necessity of the war. 110 said, therefore, he would repeat the proposal of fifteen months ago:—lsn’t it possible to take advantage of the presence here of the representatives of the great Dominions and bring the matter before them.” lie would again ask them in the interests of the Empire to suggest advise or present a scheme of settlement, which might bo acceptable to all parties in Ireland and the people of Great Britain. “I do not believe the* Imperial War Cabinet would perform a task more vital, to the interests of the Empire and mWe valuable to the prosecution of the war than to pave the way for a settlement in Ireland.”