EMPIRE PROBLEMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1921, Page 5

EMPIRE PROBLEMS.

OFFER TO IRELAND. SPEECH BY MR. CHURCHILL. INDUSTRIAL OUTLOOK. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 25, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 24. There was excitement at Dundee when Mr. Churchill addressed his constituents. Mounted and foot police were present to cope with a demonstration of unemployed which tried to rush the hall. The polite finally charged and used their truficheons freely and restored order. Only ticket-holders were admitted to the meeting. Mr. Churchill was loudly cheered, though there was some booing. He appealed for co-operation between all classes in re-building the prosperity of the country. The Government was profoundly disappointed at Mr. De Valera’s rejection of the offer of Dominion Home Rule. “Our offer to Ireland,” he said, “goes to the utmost limit, and if it is rejected we have nothing else to offer. Allegiance to the King must be insisted on, whether King of Britain or King of Ireland. The offer was generous, sincere and unanimous, and can be carried into effect immediately.” Mr. Churchill proceeded: “I am very much in favor of a conference, as there is a much better chance of agreement than in correspondence. No pedantry, hair-splitting or quibbling phrases will be allowed to stand in the way of peace—only fundamental principles. Although Britain can unquestionably enforce the existing law in Ireland, she is none the less called on to clear away all possible misunderstandings. Then, if the offer is rejected, she will have the support of the Empire. The opinion of the civilised world is that Ulster has made great sacrifices, and is no longer a stumbling block to the rest of Ireland. I do not see much real foundation for the optimism which prevails. I am still uncertain where the Irish leaders stand. An independent Irish Republic, So far from leading to peace, jl certain to lead to civil war.”

Referring to the industrial situation, Mr. Churchill said it can be attributed to the collapse of international exchange and Socialist propaganda. He hoped that out of the 'Disarmament Conference there would develop a conference to establish normal exchange. The Bolshevik agitation had helped to destroy confidence and create unemployment. A voice: “You are a liar.”

Continuing. Mr. Churchill said that as a result of Bolshevik rule more people ’would die in Russia this winter than during the five years of the war. He concluded by saying that the Government would do all in its power to help <o get the wheels of industry going.