THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 October 1921, Page 3

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

AUSTRALIAN AM) N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

THE CONFERENCE. (Received This Day at 1.30 p.m.) LONDON. Oct. 18.

It is understood that the Irish Conference, during preliminary meetings, arranged for a joint inspection of t-lio Irish internment camps. The fact that some sort of an agenda has been draft* od, causes some Irish newspapers to demand that, in order to allay tile anxieties felt in Ireland over the frequent adjournments of the Conference, soup, idea of future procedure should he published. They argue that if the minority interests have no official representation they can only beexpected. The more publicity of the question of the partition of Ireland will have almost the first place on. the agenda, an.l for the rjinii Fein delegates it is the core of the problem. A\ ithout scum* uit derstancling on, thJV. point both siJes realize it is merely a waste of time making definite plans for the future if the Conference survives this crucial

moment. The Premier may he able to carry the outlines of .settlement to AVashington. The “Irish Times” 'asks whether the conference intends to summon expert witnesses, and whether the various religious, educational and commercial interests have boon asked to prepare, their cases. The paper adds: On the whole nobody desires that the* conference should publish the daily transactions. The public; have the right to ask for assurances that the programme ■should contemplate a scrupulous regal'd for every interest. Sir I!. Haig gave further emphasis to his Saturday’s speech, in ai press, communication, declaring it is intended to clear the atmosphere. A good many people still think Ulster is the Imrgxin ing factor in the situation, hut it is not so. She bargains for nothing except to lie left alone to work out known salvation.

FEAR OF OUTRAGES. (Received This Day at 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, October IS. In tin* House of Commons, the Speaker announced the reopening on .Monday of the public galleries which were* closed owing to the fear of Sinn Fein outrages. ULSTER VOLUNTEERS. (Received This Day at 1.30 p.m.) LONDON. October 18. The ‘‘Evening News” llellasl correspondent. describing the mobilisation of Ulster volunteers, says they arc 100.000 strong, and twenty-five per cent are ex-service men. They have ! kept their rifles since 101-1. but during ..the war thousands were lent by tin* j Government, and it is doubtful if they | will he returned. Many route mu roller ■ are planned. At Lisburn a tliniroin I j men openly marched in military forI ination without arms.