IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1920, Page 4

IRELAND.

Simultaneously with, the announcement of the pasßing of the Irish Home Rule Bill appears the claim of Father O'Flannagan, who has been acting on behalt of the B|inn Fein organisation, jthat '•the only possible road to reconciliation, which is vital to the interests of both nations," is for the British Government to arrange "terms of treaty by direct negotiations with the head of the Irish nation, President De Valera." In his reply, Mr Lloyd George stated: "1 never failed to make it clear that there was no possible hope of settlement so long as Sinn Fein demands a republic. 1 ' The Premier added: "I deeply regret that you should close the door on th» counsel of goodwill which you invoked at the beginning of this correspondence." That regret will be generally endorsed throughout the Empire. The demand for a republic in Ireland is one that under no circumstances can be entertained. The British Government is not only willing, but anxious, to explore every avenue towards an honorable, constitutional settlement, but the very idea of a republic in, Ireland is unthinkable. While the condition of that country cannot be too deeply deplored, and the present policy of th» Sinn Fein leaders is "only leading Ireland nearer to chaos and ruin," the way to reconciliation is barred by a demana that can never be granted. This means that unless the demand for a republio is withdrawn, and moderation and commonsense exhibited on both sides, the existing turmoil and horrors ariiinj

from the attempt of Sinn Fein to compel a settlement by means of assassination and violence must continue, probably becoming more intense as timo goes on. It is a situation of much grav- i ity. The. responsibility of the Sinn Fein leaders is very serious. Britain' is prepared to go to the limit as regards concessions, but will never permit Ireland to become a republic. That would mean conscription in England, internecine warfare in Ireland itself, and, incidentally, converting our Irish population into foreigners. There is no hope of peace until the claim is abandoned. The Home Rule Bill may not be perfect, but it is an honest attempt to do justice to Ireland, and its provisions may well be given an opportunity to deal with one of the most difficult problems Britain has been called upon to face.