LLOYD GEORGE’S REPLY.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 August 1920, Page 3

LLOYD GEORGE’S REPLY.

TO IRISH DELEGATION

(Reuter’s Telegram.;

(Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, August 5. Hon, Lloyl Georgp (Pemier) said they could therefore not complain if war conditions were being applied. If any authority who was able to show lie possessed the confidence of Irishmen submitted definite proposals as regards Government of Ireland, which was within the clear limitations recently laid down, then Government would consider such a proposal. Great Britain was prepared to make great concessions for peace, goodwill and partnership. It was useless to shut ones eyes to the fundamental fact that no proposal which Government was able to present was acceptable to any party with authority to speak for Ireland. Representatives of the Irish demanded something that Britain could never concede, except as the result of disaster and defeat. Their demand for secession would he fatal to the security of the Empire. It was futile to propose an alternative scheme for their consideration until' the Irish accepted the fundamental indefeasible fact that Britain would never concede their terms. Concluding, he said, deliberately that he was unable at tlip present to see a fair prospect of a mutually satisfactory solution, but he believed a feeling was growing up in Ireland that Irish were seeking the impossible and they were beginning to recognise they were the main victims of the anarchy, confusion and trouble. Meantime Parliament’s duty was to protest from inas- ” sacre the people who were sent to guard life, establish law and maintain authority of the Empire. The Bill was read a second time by 289. to' 71.