THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1922, Page 1

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

AUSTRALIAN AND -H.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.

DISCUSSION. IN COMMONS

LONDON, May IE Ireland engrossed the prolonged attention of the British House of Commons, when Air Rupert Gwynne moved the adjournment of the House to call a member's attention to fiho failure o! the British Government to release three British officers kidnapped at Atacroom on April 22. Mr Gwynee denounced the Irish Treaty as a failure. He demanded that the Government reconsider its policy. Field Marshall Wilson (Ulster military head) urged that tlie members of the Cabinet he sent ,to Ireland to investigate for themselves. The whole world lie declared, heheld in this matter a manifestation of incompeteiicy would bear fruit elsewhere. The Empire demanded to be told why the British troops were still kept in Southern Ireland, anfi at whose request. Air Chamberlain replied, in a speech of the greatest gravity. Tlio House was in n tense and electric atmosphere The speech was punctuated by serious and dramatic interruptions. Mr Chamberlain declared that the Government had done its best to trace the officers, hut the search failed. General Mac-ready (head of the British police in Ireland) visited Cork, and interviewed the representatives of both parties, who promised to make an attempt to unravel this mystery, which still remained a mystery.

’Hie British troops who were in Ireland were being evacuated in an orderly manner. They were at present concentrated at Cork and Dublin. Surely it would he unwise, he said at this stage for the British Army absolutely to evacuate these positions in Ireland. “The real issue raised in this debate, ’ lie said, “is whether we shall declare the Irish Treaty ended, and shall again assume the whole responsibility for law and order in Southern Ireland.” He said he felt profoundly the fact that outrages were being committed, hut he begged the House to rememlier the larger issues at the stake, and to fix their eyes on the results which yet might be attained. “We must consult our heads as well as our hearts,” he said "and we do not yet abandon hope.” (cheers). Air Chamberlain said that the lri> lTcivisional Government has shown an earnest desire to prevent outrages, and to punish any offenders. He agreed that they had not yet acquired the necessary ability, hut they were operating under the most difficult circumstances. lie believed that if given time the Irish Provisional Government would fully establish its authority. It could not do so immediately. Field Marshal 'Wilson said:—“ln the meantime you are responsible.”

Air Chamberlain: “Yes! And my re spnnsihility is covered by the actions and is endorsed by the great majority of the members of this House!” (Cheers and interruptions). Continuing, Air Chamberlain said:

“We may be cm the eve of a very critical situation, which may' result in a real c lash at any moment in Ireland.” The motion of Major Gwynee was lost by an overwhelming majority.

A BELFAST ROBBERY. •LONDON, Alny 11

Six armed men held up the staff and some customers at the Falls Road branch of tlie National Bank at Belfast ami stole two hundred and fifty sterling, though a military patrol was within two hundred yards of the bank.