UNHAPPY LAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 October 1920, Page 5

UNHAPPY LAND.

SEEKING IRISH SOLUTION* MR ASQUITH'S VIEWS. By Telegraj*.—Press Received Oct. 5, 7.30 p.m. Londdn, Oct. 4. Mr. Asquith writes: "The last nine mouths' experience is, perhaps, the most deplorable and scandalous chapter in the annals of Irish government, but I cannot contemplate, even as a policy of despair, Viscount Grey's suggestion for the final abandonment of a trust which history has imposed on us." Mr. Asquith reiterates the opinion that the bestowal of the status of an autonomous dominion in the fullest and widest sense is the only solution of Irish problems It would place Ireland on a level footing with the other Dominions, without imposing limitations Bnd fetters regarding naval and military forces. No grant of autonomy would be complete which failed to include the right to raise and maintain adequate military forces for local defence. There must also be included fiscal independence.

"To those inclined, to think such a policy humiliating and hazardous, I put the question, What is your alternative?" proceeds Mr. Asquith. "Can anything be more humiliating or pregnant of incalculable peril than the present conditions? The only logical sequence is to undertake the task of reconquering Ireland, which the will and conscience of the English people will never sanction. I am not alarmed at the spectre of ,an Irish republic. Men, in the long run, will not fight for phrases, but for realities.." l —Times Service.