THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

(jjy XELEOUAPH—PER PKESB ASSOCIATION]

RELEASE of kidnapped. LONDON, February 17. Air Chamberlain in the Commons announced the release of forty-two kidnapped persons. DISCUSSED IN THE COAIMONS. LONDON, February 17. In the Commons, Mi' AVorthingtonEivaris resumed the debate. He denied that the bargain made under the 1920 Act has been broken. On the contrary, Ulster’s position under the Act had been maintained. He submitted concerning the boundary question, that it could not be called coercion to consult the wishes of . the inhabitants. There should be a give and take along the -boundary. That, should be something Ulster should welcome. The acceptance of Air Craig’s .. amendment meant the rejection of the Treaty, and the betrayal of the Irishmen who signed, as well as peace in Ireland. Lord Hugh Cecil thought the Bill should be rejected. It was hot the proper method of carrying out a. treaty. It was Government’s duty to maintain order until the new constitution was framed, so as to avoid the dreadful interregnum during which there would be no Government in Ireland at all. Lord Cecil considered the interpretation of boundaries should be in the Bill. Government was in the astounding position, that it rested with the Boundary Commissioner to decide whether it would break faith with the Ulster Government. They were looking on' in a state of interested curiosity to see whether the Government was composed of., cheats and liars or not. Hon. H. Asquith spoke for a few moments. He hoped the House by a significant majority, would pass the Bill in the briefest possible time. He urged the Government not to recede from the terms on the boundary question, which was an integral part of the Treaty. Air Thomas, on behalf of Labour urged the adoption of the Bill. He said the chief difficulty confronting Griffiths and Collins was not de Valera’s followers, but the advocates of a Soviet Republic. Captain Craig’s amendment was rejected by 302 to 80 and the Bill was read a second time and referred-to a committee of the whole House. CONSTABLE SHOT DEAD. .Received This Day nt 8 a.m.) LONDON, February 18. Constable AlcEdwards was shot dead at Limerick on Friday night.