IRISH AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1924, Page 3

IRISH AFFAIRS

&ÜBTR*. LIAfJ AfcD N. 7. CAIII.E ASSOCIATION

IRISH BOr.NDARV

LONDON. Aug

The Daily Herald .-ays: The Irish Cofcronee lasted for two hours. Mr .MacDonald and Mr Thomas taking l he line that the fulfilment of I lie Irish Treaty was not a party mailer, hut involved the honour of the country. They put the case for imniodiaio legislation. hut they were unahle lo carry all the other party leaders with them. Arc MacDonald will introduce a Hill before the recess, lint unless a further i inference is more sueecsslul. lie will lint attempt lo pass the measure betore the autumn session. LONDON. July 31. In the House of Commons, llu* Prime Minister was questioned a- lo whether tin* Government had conlerreil this morning with the British signatories to the Irish Treaty on (lie subject el the Ulster Boundary clause, ami whether a decision Mils taken.

Mi MacDonald replied that, a diHicully having arisen in connection with (lie interpretation of Clause" 12. lie thought it advisable lo seek louiecl of the leaders of the parties that wore signatory to the Treaty. No deci-ion.-wero taken.

Asked whether the quc.-linu would ho adjourned till the autumn sea-on. and if so whether In* was aware that there was a feeling throughout Ireland llmt the British Government is not serious in pressing forward this phase oi the Irish Treaty. Mr MacDonald replied that, there was still a week before tlie'llouso would rise. He promised to make a. statement to-morrow.

ft. is understood that Lite Government intend to adjourn next week end until October. Therefore it will he impossible to pass a special Ur is 1 1 Bill to meet the difficulties, as is sugge-ted in some quarters.

FINAL APPEAL TO ULSTER

I.OXDON'. Auk. I. The imuuentoiis rouml tnblo conference on the Irish Treaty consisted of Alcssrs .Mae Donald, dynes, Thomas. Baldwin. Chamberlain, Lord J’irkenhead. Sir L. Worthington Kvaus, and Air Lloyd George. Mr MacDonald made it plain that the Ministry had not the slightest intention to trap the leaders of other parties into a decision. The (iovernnient was ready to honour the British pledge to carry out the Irish Treaty, i hey believed that it would he necessary to introduce immediately a Bill enabling the Lister Houndary Commission to function and to pass it before Harliament adjourned. The Dailv Telegraph says: Air .MacDonald declares that iT the proposed Hill is rejected by either the House ol Commons or the House of Lords, the (lovernment would he compelled to go to the country. When the conference broke up. the .Ministers appeared determined to keep Parliament sitting, in order to pass the Bill, but subsequently they changed their minds, and decided to formally introduce tlic Bill, and leave the discussion thereon until the autumn. The Liberal ex--Ministers met and decided that the Liberal Hatty will be obliged to support the (lovernment. The “.Morning Host" allirms that Air Lloyd George went so far as to sav that he would join the (lovernment in lighting the Irish question at a general election if it were necessary. The Lister Lnionist leaders (states the “Morning Host”) have sent a strong protest tu Air MacDonald. Sir .1. Craig is ill, but Lord Londonderry and two Lister Alinisters went to London t« make further representations. Mr Cosgrave (Free State President) is expected to reach London to-day. The “Daily Kxpress" lobby correspondent says: Mr .MacDonald, in the course of a statement in tbe House ot Commons to-day. will make one last appeal to Lister to nuniiiute n representative on the Boundary Commission as an act of i'cni'njsity in tin* interests of tbe Umpire. Tbe Bill will provide lor a. third representative, nominated l.v the Lister Government, or. on tbe continued refusal of Lister, tiv tbe Imperial Government.

IRISH I’IIKAIIKBS COMING. LONDON'. Aug. 1- * The “Daily Herald” announces tlml Mr Cosgrave. and Sir .1. Craig, or be representative, are coming to l.ondoi ’ at Mr AlncDiiiuild's invitation. CA BINKT INTENTION*. [RKUTKItS TEI.KCnA.MS.I (neceivcd this day at S a.m.) LONDON. Aul. L In tbe (Vmmons, .Mr Thomas said M Cosgrave ami Sir J. C’raig would be in vited to l.ontUm If they tailed to agree A Bill would be introduced Indore th recess to establish a boundary ootnmis sion.

THK "T I AIKS" WARNING. 'Received this day at f 1.25 a.m.) LONDON. Aug. 1. The “Times” in a leader, says:— “Tbe Irish volcano which has been smouldering for some time, is very nenr eruption, which may spread ruin f--r beyond the borders of Ireland. U warns' the Government against hasty legislation which would naturally rouse fierce resentment in Northern Ireland at any attempt to over-ride Dor. ami adds that time is required in which to judge the IK-st method to escape trom the disastrous dilemma.