HOME RULE CRISIS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1225, 26 March 1914, Page 4

HOME RULE CRISIS.

London, March 23

The Deader of the Opposition, Ml Bonar Daw, in the House of Commons, read a letter wherein Sir Arthur Paget (Irish Com-mander-in Chief) stated that active operations would begin against Ulster, and he expected the country would be in a blaze by Saturday. Great excitement was caused in the House by the reading of the letter.

COLONEL SEELY EXPLAINS

The House of Commons was crowded. Mr Asquith aud Mr Lloyd George were cheered, while the Oppositionists raised cries of "Limehouse.”

Mr Asquith, in reply to Mr Bonar Law, promised further facilities for the discussion of the Ulster situation, if after Colonel Seely’s statement Mr Bonar Law thought it necessary. Colonel Seely stated that some of the officers had informed Sir A. Paget that they would not serve in certain eventualities. This arose through a misunderstanding, and these officers had been ordered to rejoin their units. The move ment of the troops was solely to protect Government arms and ammunition.

Mr Bonar Law asked for further discussion, but Mr Asquith moved the adjournment of the House.

Mr Bonar Law said it was a most amazing instance of the Government paltering with the Commons. The danger of the army being destroyed before their eyes came on the Government like a bolt from the blue. He had received proof that other than cavalry regiments had tendered their resignations.

Mr Bonar Law then read a letter staling that officers not fighting against Ulster would be dismissed. The Government’s moving of the troops was foolish. No new situation had arisen. He also read the letter wherein Sir A. Paget had declared to have stated that active operations were to begin against Ulster, that he expected the country would be ablaze by Saturday, that he was in close communication with the War Office, and that he had received his instructions thence. Mr Bonar Law said it was difficult for Mr Asquith to convince the House that without his knowledge some of bis colleagues had made a movement of troops as part of a concerted plan to provoke or intimidate Ulster.

PRIME MINISTER REPLIES.

Mr Asquith, in the Commons, said in December the officers commanding were informed that they might be called to assist the civil power and that officers domiciled in the area might be excused. The movement of troops had now concluded.

Sir A. Paget had emphatically denied saying that this was the first step in the operations against Ulster. Sir A. Paget had never received instructions from the War Office to justify such a statement. It was an undoubted fact that Brigadier - General Gough and others misinterpreted their instructions, and the Army Council were now satisfied there was a mis-

understanding. The officers were also satisfied. Mr Bonar Eavv’s letter was not written by Sir A. Paget, but was one containing a statement that Sir A. Paget was reported to have made to the officers at Cnrragh camp (the Irish headquarters). Mr Balfour said undoubtedly the Government thought the circumstances exceptional and had made exceptional provisions. Then they encountered unexpected opposition on the part of the officers. The Government had forced a crisis of infinite danger to the community and the army. Brigadier-General Gough had resigned because he would not fight Ulster, and though now reinstated be still would not fight Ulster.

COMMONS REFUSES TO ADJOURN.

It is' authoritatively slated that a number of officers of the Belfast commaud have resigned.

The Premier’s motion for the adjournment of (he Commons was negatived without division.

In the Lords Viscount Moiley pressed to publish the Army Council’s instructions to Sir A. Paget. He promised an announcement to-morrow.

Sir Arthur Paget (Commander-iu-Chief in Ireland) conferred with Colonel Seely (War Minister) prior to a lengthy Cabinet Council. Colonel Seely then proceeded to Buckingham Palace. The King has cancelled his visit to the Grand National, and gave an audience to Sir A. Paget.

ULSTER CALMLY READY

The Times in a leader to day, says the Ulster covenanters stand on the alert, camly ready to fufil their oath of resistance, while the army for the moment is paralysed. Never was a delicate issue so stupidly bungled and mishandled.

INSTRUCTIONS MISINTERPRETED.

Mr Asquith, in reply to a question in the House of Commons, said he was unable at present to say when the second reading of the Home Rule Bill would be taken. The Prime Minister declared further that the Government had issued no instructions to the troops beyond that they were to assist the civil power. The officers had misinterpreted the orders iu a wider sense. They were uow satisfied that they had made a mistake.

Mr Asquith said the movement of the troops had ceased.