THE IRISH SITUATION

Taihape Daily Times, 14 March 1918, Page 5

THE IRISH SITUATION

DISCUSSION IN THE LORDS,

STATEMENT BY LORD CUEZON.

Received 8.45,

LONDON, March 13

Lord Salisbury, in -true House of Lords, moved that the present situation in Ireland had become a danger to the Empire, and a menace to a successful prosecution of the war and to life and property,"' calling on the government, to enforce the law_ He tributed their but the existing treason, disloyalty, anarchy and attitude towards the war proved the dan-

ger’of establishing any form of self-! government in Ireland. The instanced victimisation of soldiers, _ destruction of bridges, insults to the national anthem, and demonstration against American sailors. Lord Salisbury declared the trouble was all due to the administrative feebleness of the Government, who had been afraid to touch the leaders. Anarchy had now reached a point which was intolerable in any civilised country. Conditions were much worse than the public were permitted to know. Disorder had spread far beyond Clare and was now rampant in Limerick, Tipperary, and Galway, and would become more general unless put down in Meath. He warned the Government of the danger of Sinn Fein attempts to create a reA Federal solution was the only solution, but the Government meanwhile must maintain order. Lord Sydenham criticised the Government’s negligence and apathy in Ireland, The position was largely due to German influence.

Lord Curzon, replying, gave the assurance the Government would take no steps leading to an Irish separation Mr. Duke had the Government’s unqualified support. Sinn Fcinism rarely overstepped the mark until last. December. The agitators’ acts could be treated with contempt from a .military point of view. There had been many arrests and prosecutions, but the lawlessness was exaggerated Lord Curzon acknowledged the Irish Catholic bishops’ assistance in order to save Ireland from lawlessness and civil war. Armed force could easily bo applied, but the results were incalculable, and might accelerate and not stifle the conflagration. Political agitation had been replaced durng the last few months by a criminal conspiracy. An earlier attempt'- to use force would not have carried public opinion with it. The military were now given full power in disturbed areas, with instructions to disperse meetings of agitators, arrest the leaders and strike at the disorder. Lord Curzon regretted the painful necessity, but. Lord French’s report confirmed "the good results of strong action. The disturbances had boiled over, but wore not yet cooled He could not say how long the military measures were necessary, but the Government was determined to enforce the law. The Government’s policy may not be heroism, but it was sanity and commonsonsc.

MOTION WITHDRAWN,

Received 10.20,

LONDON, March 13

Lord Selbourne said the Government's policy had been disastrous, and they had not taken adequate measures Lord Lansdowno said the disquieting feature of the disorder was the outburst of agreement with the enemy. Recent acts in Ireland amounted to rebellion.

Lord Salisbury withdrew his motion in view* of Lord Curzon’s assurance

A UNITED IRELAND,

DILLON’S PASSIONATE DESIRE

Received 10.50,

LONDON, March 13

The Daily News Dublin correspondent states that many Irishmen expect that Mr. Dillon’s first action will be to renew the advances made to the Sinn Fcincrs not to contest by-elec-tions until the general election whore possible, lest it give rise to bitter feeling in the country t Mr. Dillon passionately desires to restore unity of national endeavour. The Sinn Feiners may now be willing to meet him half way.