THE IRISH PROBLEM

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1921, Page 3

THE IRISH PROBLEM

AU.SI-HAI.IAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. DEMANDS FOR SETTLEMENT. CHAMBERLAIN’S PLAIN STATEMENT. LONDON, Nov. Id Mr Chamberlain has sent a letter Lo Mr Mae Neill, reiterating a pledge to support Ulster. This has resurrected the rumour regarding the collapse of the Irish negotiations. This rumour is untrue, although how the deadlock existing can be relieved, nobody knows. Mr Lloyd George has certainly enhanced his reputation by the manner in which be keeps the Irish Conference alive. Even bis opponents admire bis devotion.

The Australian Press Association says—“We understand that there were frequent dramatic moments at the Conference, when its continuance hung on a thread. The Prime Minister’s tact alone induced the delegates to continue. lie is now attempting to induce- Sir .las Craig ami Mr Aitliui Griffiths (Sinn Fein delegate) to meet, but not as the official representatives of the North and South of Ireland. He- wants them to meet as man to mail.

In the present tempers of the opposing factions, this is doubtless a heroic undertaking.

It is said that obviously the onlywav to peace will be iountl in tb-* Coalitionists starting a great oratoratorial preparing lor the eventuality of an earlv general election. Mr Austen Chamberlain (Unionist Lender) lias sent a reply to Mr Ronald MiicNeiH’s criticisms of the Cabinet s negotiations with Ireland. Mr MarNeill lias left the Coalition.

Mr Chamberlain w rites :— “Like all mv Unionist colleagues, I have repeatedly said that 1 would not be a party to the coercion of l Ister. By* tbal pledge we stand. Mr Lloyd George is similarly pledged. Neither be nor wo will depart from that position ; but these promises contain nothing that should deter us from seeking a peace bv agreement betiw-cn the roiillicting parties in Ireland and in Britain. Pence to-day is our greatest need. There are 1750 thousand of our people workless. Our trade is stagnant. Conlidenee is lacking and on the result of the present Irish negotintions depend the issues of peace or war in these islands, and perhaps indeed, the future peace of the world. I would regard myself as unworthy ol the leadership oi the Unionists in Ibe Mouse ol ( ominous. if I did not use mv utmost efforts to secure a just and an honourable settlement in such circumstances. If peace is to be secured, all the parties hi this ancient and bittm controversy must show some measure of goodwill, and must he prepared to make concession to the feelings of others. Britain >■ ready -ip do bet share. The Government lias plainly told the representatives of the South ol Ireland that they must do theirs. Is it to be imputed as a crime that I and mv colleagues have invited I Ister t” confer in the same spirit, and to contribute- her share towards an amicable settlement-'”

After recalling the Cahinet’s considered invitation in the Irish convention i„ February of 1918. to such an agreement based on a single legislature lor united Ireland, Ml Chiunherlaili claims that neither Mae Neill nor Carson. nor the Ulster members then protested.

He adds:—"This is all we are asking now. If Ulster refuses, then we shall not attempt to cncieo her. A\ e will abide bv our pledged word. She is the mistress of her fate, but, upon her decision, and still more upon tlie spirit in which she approaches tiegrave issues, may depend not only the f-ite of Ulster, but the future history of our country and our Empire. Point ing out that any settlement will be fully discussed in Parliament and in the Country. Mr Chamberlain asks the Unionists to suspend judgement until the term- are published.

CRAIG’S REPLY. I.ODON, Nov. 15

Sir .1. Ci : , has issued a statement traversing Ml Cl letter tu M, I*. MacNcill. He says: - 111 reference tu Mr Chamberlain's assertions. Unit Carson, MacNcill or other llster members did not protest against llic Irish Convention ill that statement is made under a complete misapprehension. Tlie tacts were that immediately on bearing that representations might be made lor an Li Hi Convention. Carson, who was a member of tlie Government resigned.

VISIT TU AMERICA DOURTFUL. LONDON, Nov. 15 Owing to the Irish situation exigencies, doubts have again been created regarding the possibility of Mr ldoyd George going to the Washington Conference.

ULSTER’S VIEWS. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 15. Ilrilish representatives at the Irish Conference heard Lord Middleton and six other southern Irish Unionists. It is understood Lord Middleton sought, the interview, which lasted an hour nnd a half. No statement, was issued. It is believed the Government reply to Ulster contains no 1 resit proposals ami reaffirms Government's settlement plan. It intimates that Ulster’s counter proposals are not acceptable to either party to the ( onference. Ulsterites are organizing a monster loyalist demonstration in iiellast on Wednesday, on the eve of the Unionist Conference at Liverpool.

ULSTER’S VIEWS. (Received This Day at 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 1.5. Mr Andrews, Ulster Minister of Labour, interviewed at Belfast, said the Coalition Cabinet had attempted a disgraceful betrayal of Ulster. Referring to the suggestion that Ulster should agree to 'an AIJ Ireland Parliament, with Dominion Powers, Andrews said w t . informed the Imperial Government I that we are lint prepared to admit the ascendency of any Parliament;, except j the Imperial over ours, or agree to the 1 transference of reserved services to All I Ireland Parliament, which will he ' der control of those boasting they arc | the Empire’s enemies. Craig and his ! colleagues pointed out in the clearest I way that any discussion ot). this basis j would prove fruitless. We accepted our own Parliament in the interests of as a compromise and as ft final j settlement. It is for our opponents to i accept theirs in the snmo spirit,