THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1921, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

■nSTItALIAN AND N.Z- CABLE ASSOCIATION ALTERNATIVE IRISH SCHEME, j (Received This Day at 5.30 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 39 It is understood an alternative Irish scheme gives Dominion {lowers to the South in the form of ajijilying the unity of Ireland, with Ulster temporarily >lsimlin£ out. The “Manchester Guardian” {mints out that though Ulster has killed the Government’s plan all the “Diehards in the country eoulil not convince the country that any ease was made out tor a military, economic war against Ire-j land. i

1.1.0 Y 1) GEORGE'S XEt\ -MO\ E. AN ALTERNATIVE SCHEME. LONDON', Nov in). Sir .1. Craig’s statement in Ulster |»nrlfanient did not surprise Downing Street. ~ ■ Mr l.lovd Oeorgo liad toreseen tins trend of events. He had already prepared an alternative scheme. Direetlv Sir James Craig’s speech was published, Mr l.lovd George railed a meeting of the “Dig Seven,” and unfolded a new scheme,, to Mr Chamberlain. Lord Birkenhead, Mr Churchill,. Sir (!. Hewart, Sir 11. Greenwood and Mr \V. Evans. They had an hour’s discussion, lhen they called in the Sinn Cein delegation, including Mr Arthur Griffths and Mr Michael Collins. Their discussion lasted for two hours. Later on an official announcement was made that this meeting had taken place. It is understood that the new proposals will lx> handed to Sir .Tas Craig well within the week

CRAIG’S IDEA. LONDON, Nov. 30. Sir James Craig, in a statement, said. “If Sinn Fein show common sense, they will begin with a small Parliament, as we did. AA r e are prepared, to hold a round-the-tahlo discussion with Sinn ,Fein <> n matters that are vital to Ulster, nnd enter into trade relations with Sinn Fein, and thus compete as to whether the north or south shall produce the better Government.”