The Irish Storm

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 278, 25 April 1914, Page 5

The Irish Storm

THE "PLOT" AGAINST ULSTEI!,

STATEMENT BY ME. ASQUITII.

By Cable—Press Associatin"~eui>viighi London, April 23. Mr. Asquith, in reply to questions, said that no member of the Cabinet had promised the help of the Navy in th& recent crisis. The movement of the battle squadron from Arosa Bay to Lamiash was never intended to be part of the precautionary measures to safeguard -the Ulster depots. He suggested to 'Mr. Churchill, in view of the excitement in England and the fact that precautionary measures had to be carried out, that the movement of the shipß should be delayed. Mr. Eugene Mason asked whether the Government would afford an opportunity to discuss l a motion calling on Mr. Bonar Law- to substantiate or withdraw Jhia charges.

Mr. Asquith replied that he was uncertain what the charges were. If they were formulated he would give an opportunity to discuss them. Mr. Bonar Law said he had made his charges in the plainest terms, but would repeat them next week on a motion calling for an impartial enquiry.

EMBARRASSING THE GOVERNMENT.

Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, April 17. It is stated definitely that Mr. Balfour and Mr. Long are endeavoring to induce the Unionists to force the Government to pass the Home Rule Bill without amendment, their idea being that the Covenanters will mobilise and that the Government, finding itself un- ! able to face the situation, will resign. ' The Unionists would then form a Ministry and would go to the country with the cry, "Shall England lend the Army to Kedmond to coerce Ulster?" Mr. Balfour believes that such a cry, with the unpopularity of the National Insurance Act, would prove a winning card for the Conservatives.

It is reported that the Unionists are about to spend huge sums in the different constituencies in emphasising what 'the Ulster question means to the proletariat.