THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 May 1917, Page 5

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

TERMS OF PROPOSED PILL, PREMIER PUTS POSITION PtATNIiY. A TEMPORARY EXPEDIENT.. Australian-N.Z. Cable Association.: _ j Londom, May 17. Official.—Mr. Lloyd George has writtun to Mr. Eedmond emphasising that Bn .V settlement they could propose in war time must be one substantially accepted by both sides. He was unable to negotiato with the Irish representatives owing to the decision of the Nationalists not to negotiate with the Government.

The Government seeks to concede the largest possible measure of Home Rule ■seourablo 'by agreement at this moment. Parliament to effect a final settlement after the war of the questions most in disuute.

He was prepared to introduce" a Bill granting Home Kule to Ireland, excluding six counties of Ulster, such exclusion to be subject to reconsideration by Parliament at the end of five years, unless it was terminated, meantime ,by the proposed Council of Ireland.

THE PROPOSED COUNCIL. , The Bill proposes that the latter council shall consist of all members returned to Westminster from the excluded area and a delegation of equal numbers from the Irish Parliament. The council will be empowered by a majority of the votes of ench delegation to pass private Bills, and legislation affecting any part of Ireland, and to recommond the Crown to extend to the excluded area any Act of the Irish Parlia-I r merit, and to agree to the inclusion of Hie whole of Ireland under the Home Rule Act, subject to the assent of a majority of the voters in the excluded nres. It can also make recommendations tipon Irish question, including the /i.mendment of tJie 'Home Rule Act, The President of the Council will be elected li.v agreement 'between the delegations, or in default of agreement, by the Crown.

The Government considers the financial proposals under the Homo Rule Act unsatisfactory, and that they ought to be vcconnrlered. A number of important objects, such as the development of industries, housing in towns, and education cannot adequately be dealt with under the .Act without unduly burdening the Irish tax-payer. A conference similar to the Speaker's Conference on electoral reform would follow the second reading of the proposed Bill, which is as far as the Government can possibly go in the crisis of the great war.

AN ALTERNATIVE OFFER. e

Mr. Lloyd George was- prepared -to introduce such a measure if assured that something like the second reading would be acceptable to both Irish parties. As an alternative, and in the last resort, lie 'would propose a Convention of Irishmen of all parties for the purpose of producing a scheme for self-government. The constitution of (he Union of South Africa was framed despite the most formidable difficulties and obstacles, by a convention representing all interests and parties in the country. Tihe Government believes that a similar expedient in I Ireland might possibly be effectual. Mr. Lloyd George invites views on this letter to enable the Government to consider the matter before Monday.

REOEPTION OF PROPOSALS.

TRAPS FEARED. London, May 17. The Government proposals have been received with, mixed feelings in Dublin. While the Nationalists concede that some advance has been made they fear traps will vitiate the proposals. The Sinn Feinera and those influenced by the recent statement of Catholic and Protestant bishops repudiate partition in any form. Many southern (Unionists are auspicious and regard the proposals a 9 unworkable, white Ulster is likely to be prejudiced, owing to the absence of definite financial proposals. Aehhishop Crozier and Bishops Day, Peacocki, Moore and Darcy have issued a statement advocating postponement nf the question until the Imperial constitution is reorganised after the war. A hasty conclusion, tliey say, will,only increase the confusion.

Landon, May 17.

The Freeman's Journal predicts a prompt rejection of the scheme, bwt the Convention suggestion implies an admission of the acceptance of Home Rule on the line Irishmen themselves determine and is worthy of consideration.