IN IRELAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 October 1920, Page 1

IN IRELAND.

(Reuter’s Telegram.) ASQUITH’S SOLUTION. LONDON, October 4. Rt. Hon. Mr Asquith writes as follows regarding the Irish situation: •‘The last nine months’ experience is perhaps the most deplorable and the most scandalous chapter in the annals of Irish Government; but I cannot contemplate, even as a policy of despair Lord Grey’s suggestion for a final abandonment of the trust whjch history has imposed on us.” Mr Asquith reiterates his opinion that the bestowal of the status of an autonomous dominion, in the fullest and widest sense, is the’ only solution of the Irish problem. It would place Ireland, he says, on a level footing with the other Dominions without imposing limitations and fetters on Ireland regarding the naval and miltary forces. “Nb gram of autonomy,” lie says, “would be complete which failed to include the right of Ireland to raise and to maintahi adequate military forces for lorn' defence. There must also he included fiscal independence.” “To those disposed to think such • pel icy a humiliation and a hazardous -me,” he added, “I put the questior “What is your alternative?” Can

anything be more humiliating or more a regnant with an incalculable peri than the present conditions? The only logical sequence is to undertake the task of reconquering Ireland, which task 'the will and the consciences of the English people will never sanction I am not alarmed at the spectre of a” Irish Republic. Men in the long ri" will not fight for phrases, hut only for realities.