THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1921, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

AUSTItAMAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. ULSTER BLOCKS THE WAY. LONDON, November L Sir J. Craig’s statement is regarded as the gravest indication yet forthcoming that Ulster is proving inexorable, and that Ulster has rejected Mr Lloyd George’s appeal to make some concessions in order to facilitate a permanent Irish Peace.

ASQUITH’S VIEWS. LONDON, November 9, Rt. Hon, It* H. Asquith, Speaking at Glasgow, said: “The only bright a pot in the international situation is the assembly of the Washington Conference, which will belie till hopes if it does not result in an agreement upon a scheme for a wholesale reduction of armaments at home. There *' e unmistakable signs of the disintegration of the Coalition. Its perpetual oscillations and recantations are leading a large section of its supporters to an outbreak of temper. The most glaring illustration is the Government of Ireland, in connection with which the Liberal attitude has been completely vindicated. The gates of civil war must not be re-opened in Ireland. *> e have often declared that we will not be parties to the coercion of Ulster. Neither will we lie parties, at the instance of an Ulster minority, to the coercion of three-fourths of the people of Ireland.

CRAIG’S STATEMENT. LONDON, November 8. Rir .T. Craig has issued the following statement: “The Glister Prime Minister has spent another strenuous day in consultation with the Unionist I’artv leaders, preparing for a meeting of the Ulster Cabinet. Although he knows that the lines which he has adopted will meet with the unanimous approval of Ulster loyalists the situation is so grave that he felt the responsibility should be shared by the whole Ulster Cabinet.”

ULSTER’S HOPE LONDON, November •.). The Australian Press Association learns, in regard to the Irish Conference. that it is difficult to forecast the ultimate outcome of the l lster r.Hitude, but that attitude is not likely to win a big following in this country. While it is certain that the original group of Unionist “Die-Hards” be augmented when it comes to a final fight in the House of Commons, t 's probable that Chamberlain and Birkenhead. hitherto Ulster’s chain) ions ,viil not accept responsibility for sup’ort ing Ulster’s “l)ic Hards” attitude. 1 nt will rally round Lloyd George with the majority of the Unionist Commoners.

A disturbing political factor at rue moment is Mr Room* Law s attitude, since he has now returned to politics. There has lieen no public indicat.on since his return as to whether he will retain his old "thick and thin adherence to Ulster, o- will support Mr IJoyd George. It is pointed out in certain circles that if Air Htmur Law adopts his former attitude, he will he practically the only Unionist statesman who muld attempt to form a Government lf 'l' Lloyd George resigns. The only a’L"natives to him would bo Mr Asquith, or Mr Clynes (Labour). Meanwhile the Irish Conference has been suspended. It is awaiting Sir Jas. Craig’s declaration. ULSTER’S HOSTILITY.

LONDON. Nov. 9. The Australian Press Association learnt* that all the political lenders have abandoned the hope that the llter Cabinet intends to recede one. iota from its frequently expressed hostility to any proposal that means amending Ulster’s position under the Home Jlrle A*.

SINN KEEN DELEGATES. LONDON. November Messrs Michael Collins and Duffy. Sinn Fein Envoys, have returned fid" Dublin to Loudon. It is not Imlieved that they ha'brought a mandate for the Irish Delegation to abandon the claim for rclandAs separation under certain conditions. UNIONISTS AND COALITION. LONDON. Nov. 8. The agenda of the National Unionist Conference includes notices of motion declaring that a continuance of two great parties in the Coalition is unprincipled, and that it reduces statesmanship to impotence; also dis‘approves of the negotiations with Sinn Fein, and asserting that this offer is regarded as going beyond Unionist opinion in the country, especially regarding an Irish territorial force.

ULSTER CABINET DECISION (Received This Day at 9.40 a.m.) ; LONDON, Nov 9. After a long meeting of Ulster Cabinet this morning, a communique was issued stating Sir J. Craig liajJ explained to his colleagues the situation so far as he had been made aware of it, during bis recent interviews with Hon Lloyd George. Craig outlined the course he pursued and the meeting unanimously approved of the firm attitude maintained ill the interests of Ulster. The meeting adjourned till tomorrow, when it is hoped to have a. detailed statement of Government’s proposals. While the Cabinet was in progress. Hon Lloyd George telephoned to Sir J. Oraig regretting his inability to furnish to-day a detailed written statement of the Government’s proposals, owing to pressure of business, But he hoped the statement would b e ready tomorrow morning.