LLOYD GEORGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1920, Page 3

LLOYD GEORGE.

RECOGNISES IRISH DANGER. (Router’s Telegrams.) (Received this day at 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, July 30. In the Commons Hon. Bonar Law announced a Bill' Wonld shortly be introduced dealing with disorders in Ireland.

Hon. Lloyd George received a very large deputation of Lords and Commons on the subject of Ireland. The principal spokesman, the Duke of Northumberland, quoted evidence in support of the contention that Sinn Fein were closely to Allied Bolshevistic activities which aimed at the destruction of the British Empire' as an essential step to bring about a dictatorship of proletariat. He urged Government not to pursue a policy of drift.

Sir E. Carson stressed tlio existence of world wide conspirey which only indirectly concerned itself with Homo Rule in Irelnd. No difference was drawn in the conspirators propaganda between questions of Ireland, Egypt, and India, to which they were appealing. Their attention, because all were regarded as the keys of Empire. It was required that Government should unmask the disguised objects of Sinn Feinism for the sake of country and Empiro.

Hon. Lloyd George replying, said Government did not need convincing regarding the impossibility of granting an Independent Irish Republc. He pointed out that although there was undoubtedly Bolshevik support behind Sinn Feinism, it would be a. mistake to conclude that it was purely Bolshevik conspiracy. The Irisli feud was periodical, but the present outbreak was the worst he remembered. It was necessary to Btrengthen the forces in Ireland. Thousands of officers and men were required to put down lawlessness. He would like to see some assistance by way of recruitment for that purpose, ns was given during the war. Tlie Premier added that if the British Eimpire surrendered control over Ireland it would be equivalent to eommjittkiK 'suicide. He invited tlie deputation to await the introduction of the above mentioned legislation which would be most drastic. Whatever happened, Ireland could not lie allowed to leave the Empire. He denied a report that guards were no longer provided for Government munitions sent by railway and declared that railwaymen refusing to convey military guards for troops and police would continue to ho instantly dismissed.