IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1918, Page 6

IRELAND.

. ' HOME RULE ABAMCNED. London, June 21. In the dabate in the House of Lords on the Irish question Lord Wißtborne eaid he knew that the extreme section of Sinn Fein was willing to avail itself of German assistance. Germany also had agents in Ireland, supplementing the anti-British activities with money. Submarines were skulking around this coast, seeking to land arms, and there were rumors that the Germans were attempting to land men. To this extent he believed there waa a plot, but the Irish Executive was pot aware of any further plot until the British Government discovered it. Lord Curzon said that, in view of the Sinn Feiners' conspiracy and the action of tho Irish clergy, though the Government had not changed their front they recognised the new facts and had tried to adjust their policy to the circumstances. Lord Ourzon defended voluntary resmiting. He admitted that the condition of Ireland was grave, but the prrest of the Sinn Feiners had produced a feeling of relief which the Nationalists shared. Lord Curzon's speech caused a sensation in the lolbbies. It made clear that the Government had side-tracked Home Rule and conscriptionIncidentally Lord Curzon said that under the present circumstances of crime, lawlessness and agitation in Ireland, the preparation of a Home Rule Bill, which there was no chance of anyone accepting, would not he statesmanship bat folly. It would almost amount to a (Time. The Daily News says that Lord Curton's speech means that Home Role is dead and conscription is dead. The Irish question ought to be referred to the judgment of the Imperial statesmen now in London—Aus-KX Cable

Assn. REBELS NOT TO BE PROSECUTED.. London, June 21. Mr. Shortt, Chief Secretary for Ireland, answering Mr. Outhwaite, said there was sufficient evidence against the Irish deportees to enable a prosecution for treason, but a prosecution was not considered necessary or advisable.—Aus.Ji.55. CaJMe Assn. London, June 21. In view of the withdrawal of the Irish Conscription Act the Nationalists are returning to Westminster.—AssociationSINN FEINER WINS BY-ELECTION. London, June 21. In the East Cavan election Griffiths (a deported Sinn Feiner) reeeived 3795 votes and (Nationalist) 2681. —Association.