BRITAIN’S LAST WORD

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1921, Page 5

BRITAIN’S LAST WORD

JEE OFFER TO IRELAND. WHAT REJECTION MEANS. WAR ON BIGGER SCALE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—copyright. Received August 21, 5.5 pm. London, August 19. In the House of Commons. Mr. Lloyd George said he could say nothing at this stage on the Irish situation, as there was always the danger that a word might be used which was capable of misunderstanding or misrepresentation. All the Government had to say had been said in his two letters to De Valera; the Government had laid all its cards on the table. Mr. Lloyd George said he had heard no suggestion from any quarter of the world that the proposals had not gone to the limits of possible concessions. While the negotiations remained open with regard to details, the outline of the terms could not be altered, nor the basis changed. If an agreement was reached a Bill would immediately be submitted to Parliament, but he was bound to provide for the possibility of rejection. If that misfortune befell us we were faced with a graver situation than had ever before risen, as rejection would mean a challenge to authority, to the Crown, and to the unity of the Empire. Steps which then ought to be taken might not to be taken without consulting Parliament, and he would summon Parliament at forty-eight hours’ notice. The Government reserved the right to take any emergency measures necessary before Par- ' Lament met. He hoped that, in spite of disquietening statements, reason would prevail, and that the Irish leaders would not reject the largest measures of freedom ever offered to Ireland, or to take the responsbility of renewing the conflict, which would be robbed of all its glory by its overshadowing horror. Mr. H. H. Asquith (Liberal leader) said the Government’s proposals entirely commended themselves to him. Mr. J. H. Thomas (Labor) declared they had readied a stage where the Irish question ceased to be a party question. Colonel J. Gretton (Condition Unionist) protested that the Government had gone far beyond the authority conferred on ft at the last election. The House has adjourned. LORD CURZON’S STATEMENT. DEBATE IN HOUSE OF LORDS. REJECTION INVOLVES RUIN. Received August 21, 5.5 p.m. London, August 19. Lord Curzon (Foreign Secretary) made a statement in the House of Lords on similar lines to that made by Mr. Lloyd George. He said no one could deny that the proposals were broad and liberal, and a notable concession for a proud country to

make. It was difficult to believe any body of responsible men could reject Dominion status. They would be sacrificing the fruit in order to obtain the rind of separation, which would inevitably mean the political and economic ruin of Ireland. If a challenge was given the Government would accept it, and would not quail before the difficult task.

Lord Crewe said the notion of a separate Irish Republic could not be considered. It would be wrong to despair of a favorable issue.

Lord Salisbury said the Government misled the people, and the action they had taken had been forced upon them by a band of assassins, while murderers and assassins had been received at Downing Street.

Lord Middleton declared that nothing more dangerous for the future of Ireland could be conceived than both Parliaments in the North and South raising armies.

Lord Birkenhead said it would be disastrous if it was not plainly realised by those to whom the offer was addressed that this offer was the Government’s last word in the direction of concession and

compromise. If the negotiations failed they would find themselves committed to hostilities upon a scale never heretofore undertaken by this country against Ireland.— Aua-N.Z. Cable Assn.