THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1921, Page 3

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

tiS'lliJD SfekVICE tELECRAMS TYRONE AND FERMANAGH. LONDON, Dec. 13 To-day a deputation of Tyrone and Fermanagh Unionists conferred with Sir .lames Craig, and contended that . ~,1 , the 1930 Irish Government Act their consent would he necessary to any change in the Ulster boundaries. A NON-COMMITTAL ATTITUDE. LONDON, Dec. 13. After their meeting at Dublin, the m Hierarchy of Ireland issued n statoment. It expressed confidence m the manner wherein the Irish delegates had conducted the negotiations. It appealed to the people to pray for Divine guidance for Dad Eirea.n.’s members in their deliberations in deciding Ireland s destiny. BRITISH PARLIAMENT MEETS. KING’S SPEECH. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 14. The most intense interest was displayed in opening the historic session of Parliament, which the King<j arn d with full ceremonial. Reeoid crow lined the route from Buckingham Fnl- „ The we a tli er was foggyTire Queen and Princess Alary accompanied the King, escorted by We jrinrds in full peace U»'e regimentals. Massed Guards bands played the Natiomtl Anthem/as the King reached St « full attendance of the Diplomatic Corps, including tlie Ministers for Germany and Austria. As representing Republican States they wore no decoiaLloyd George, on leaving Downing Street for Parliament, received a tumultuous ovation. The King, addressing the Louis an Commons, said: — , “We have summoned you to meet at the unusual time in order that the Articles of Agreement, signed by Ministers and the Irish Delegation may at once be submitted for your approval. No other business will be .brought in for the present session It was with heartfelt joy I learned of the agreement, which was reached a - er negotiations that were protracted For many months, and affecting the welfare not only of Ireland, hut of the British and Irish races throughout the world. It is my earnest hope that bv the articles of the agreement now to be submitted to you, the strife of centuries may be ended, and that Ireland as a free partner in the Commonwealth of Nations forming the British Empire, will secure the ful ment of her national ideals. After this brief speech, the Box.il | Party returned to the palace, and con- • tinuous cheers were given. |

DAIL EIREANN MEETS. LONDON. Dec 14. The Dail Eireann met this morning in the University Buildings, Dublin. The Sinn Fein leaders were enthusiastically cheered as they arrived. Both Mr Griffiths and Mr de Valera were equally ovationed, but the heartiest welcome was reserved for Air Collins. When the roll call was completed Mr De Valera spokq first in Irish and then in English. He said there was nothing extraordinary in the division of feeling which had'arisen. The plenipotentaries were given full powers to negotiate. ’ with the understanding that they should report to Cabinet, which would decide upon the policy. ! PRIVATE SITTING. , t ßeceived This Day at S 30 a.m.y j LONDON, Dee. 14. j Mr De Valera said the instructions to I the delegates provided that a com- : plete text of a treaty should he submit- ; ted at Dublin before being signed. j Mr Collins emphatically declared the j delegates had not signed the agreement as a treaty, but on the understanding that they would recommend its acceptance. Dr White moved that the session be held in private. Mr De Valera supported tlie motion. Mr Collins, in opposing it, quoted credentials, which Air De Valera gave each delegate, which clearly stated that the delegates’ power included die conclusion of an agreement. “1 have been called a traitor,” Mr Collins added. “I will let the people decide whether 1 am or am not.” Mr De Valera admitted the document was not a treaty, but an agreement which was not binding on the Dail Eireann. On Mr De Valera’* motion, the House decided to sit in private in the afternoon, hut tv admit the press when the rejection or ratification of the treaty was considered.

ADDRESS-IN-KEPLY A .ATEN DMENT. LONDON, De- 14. Colonel Gretton will submit an amendment to the Ad d ress-1 n - II o p I y regretting the settlement involving the surrender of Crown Rights in Ireland, giving power to establish an independent Army and Navy, requiring further sacrifices from Ulster and not safeguarding Southern Loyalists’ rights. LLOYD GEORGE'S SPEECH. (Received This Dav at 10.15 a.in.l LONDON, Dec. 14 In the House of Commons, lion Llovd George was received with cheers. He said the agreement was joyfully acclaimed by the dominions and Allies. Ireland can now participate with other free States in the Empire’s foreign policy. If Ireland broke the treaty it would be a matter for the Empire to deal with. He denied Government surrendered to the rebellion, or had done anything derogatory to the Crown’s dignity. He opposed the coercion of Ulster, hut did not. believe in Ulster coercing her neighbours. She would have trouble on her own threshhold under the present conditions. CAISSON ON POSITION. cßeceived This Dav at 10.15 a.in.) LONDON, Dec. II Lord Carson, in the House of Lords, made a fierce denunciation of the socalled treaty, which was due to England being lieaten to the knee by Sinn Fein. “TIMES”' CORRESPONDENT’S VIEW. (Received This Day at 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 14. The “Times” Dublin correspondent states that though de Valera’s opposition is not treated lightly there is a general feeling in Dublin that notification is assured. It is known that only about twenty members of the Dail Eircann are siding with de Valera. About forty are definitely for the Treaty. It cannot be prophesied liow the remainder will vote. Shrewd judges exp«ct a two to one majority for the treaty, Nevertheless, there is always

a chniice of the unexpected happening in Ireland. It is just possible that a decision may be shelved by resolving jto take a referendum. If the appeals ! of de Valera are defeated lie will press . for an appeal to the people, lii that 1 ease, while it seems impossible to doubt that the referendum or a general election will show a majority for tlie trea- | ty, much combustible material remains. I The danger lies in a section of de Valera’s followers fancying they only need to overthrow the treaty to get ii republic without warfare. The pious feelings are deeply stirred, and many people ill the cliurth are supplicating for peace. Though many expected the Bishops to advocate an acceptance, it is now realised they could hardly act otherwise than they did, because they did not wish, as a body to prejudice political discussion, though their private opinions are well known.