CABLE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1922, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS. lords LONDON, - Inarch 22: In the House of Lords, when in eommitte on the Irish_ Bill, Lord Haldane said that those Peers who had been introduced into that House as judges should be sparing in the exercise of their legislative powers. Lord Carson, in r e ply, said that if he had though he was to be restrained in this matter, he would have resigned his oftich! Lord Birkenhead stated that he bad advised Lord Carson that a peculiar position, different from that of the other law Lords. Lord Carson said he was prepared to withdraw his amendment re an appeal for Ulster from the Boundary Commission. Lord Birkenhead stated that a grave situation was existing on the Ulster frontier. It was a menace to the translation of the agreement into successful practice. He hoped that if the two Irish Premiers met, they could arrange a neutral zone between the contesting parties, to be occupied by troops until the boundary is finally settled. The amendment was then withdrawn.

AN AMENDMENT CARRIED. LONDON, March 22. 'I ne Government was defeated by •12 to 40 ir. the House of Lords on Lord Dufferin’s amendment to the Irish Bill, providing that the British Government shall definitely guarantee compensation to the civil servants, in the Irish Free State. ->~ Lord Peel said these officials ha<? already a Government guarantee, but it would be foolish to put into the Bill because it would be an invitation, to the Irish Free Government to repudiate their liability. lord Birkenhead said that all information which the Government had showed,that Mr De Valera was a beaten man. If they could only prevent civil wa r on the Ulster frontier, the treaty would be accepted b'y Ireland by a larger majority than it had Secured in the British Parliement. The committee stage of the Bill has concluded.

I.R.A. ACTS FOR ITSELF. LONDON, Commandant Roderick O’CoHHsr, who is attached to the headquarters of the Republican Army, interviewed, said that 80 per cent of the Irish Army considered the Dail E'ireann had no moral right to vote for the ’ Irish Treaty. Questioned: ‘‘IP. ,the Irish Army Executive would refuse to consent to a Government set up by the people, and would set up a military dictatorship,” Colonel O’Connor replied: “Call it what you like.”