IRISH PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 1921, Page 5

IRISH PROBLEM.

OUTLOOK UNCERTAIN. BETTER FEELING. \ —— , POSITION OF ULSTER. s ar i * telegraph.—frees Assn.—Copyright. Received Nov. 3, 8.10 p.m. London, Nov. 3. Opinion is divided as to the trend of the Irish conference, which, after situir*«f for two hours, adjourned late last night. The Australian Press Association understands that the Fermanagh-Tyrone solution was explored thoroughly, and that Mr. Lloyd George’s invitation to the Ulster Cabinet, which was unanimously supported by his colleagues, is the outconT?. It is believed that Ulster has decided to resist such an appeal on the ground that if two counties surrendered the step would be followed by further similar demands, which would materially assist Sinn Fein to squeeze out the Ulster Parham ent.

While the closest secrecy continues, it is assumed ift important quarters that Sir. Lloyd George will never ask Ulster to agree to a plebiscite if Sinn Fein delegates do not capitulate regarding their allegiance to the Throne. A better feeling is certainly evident in quarters where pessimism has been marked. Sir James Craig conies to London tomorrow, ostensibly privately, but there is reason to suppose he comes to voice the unalterable attitude of the Ulster Cabinet if a certain eventuality occurs. A number of disquieting incidents are reported from Belfast. Mr. McHugh, chairman of the Fermanagh County Council, was removed from his house at the point of a revolver, and taken in a motor ear to an unknown destination. He is a Nationalist ami incurred the wrath of Sinn Fein through hie refusal to pay a levy. Three witnesses, summoned for the ■Eauiskillen quarter sessions, were likewise kidnapped, whilst a number of men were wounded at bombing drill at an Irish Republican Army camp in Midlouth.

The British Trades’ Union congress council decided to cancel the arrangement to hold the next congress in Belfast in view of the political situation.

IRISH OPTIMISM. COUNTY OPTION IN ULSTER. A FEDERATED IRELAND. Received Nov. 3, 5.5 p.m. London, NoV. 2. optimism prevails in Irish Nationalist circles, caused by the circulation of rumors that a settlement has been reached. It is reported that two plans are discussed. One is to give county option in Ulster under which Fermanagh and Tyrone could vote themselves out of the Northern Parliament, but in view of Ulster's determination there is little prospect of its adoption. The second plan contemplates a federated Ireland, extending the Northern Parliament’s jurisdiction over Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan, thus giving stronger Catholic representation in the Ulster Parliament. There is to be a Supreme Irish Parliament over both North and South.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

PROPOSED PLEBISCITE. IN TWO ULSTER COUNTIES. London, Nov. 3. The Cabinet has invited the Ulster Government to consent to a plebiscite in Fermanagh and Tyrone. (The two counties mentioned contain a majority of Roman Catholics.) THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN. a London, Nov. 2. It is reliably stated that the Government has definitely submitted a plan on which it is hoped a united Ireland may be built. A committee of four thoroughly discussed the scheme and future negotiations are said to depend on Ulster's reply to the proposal. There is every possibility that Sir James Craig will be asked to participate in the delegations, but he is unlikely to attend the conference until a clear definite line is marked out. The Government insists that the first essential is that Ireland shall acknowledge allegiance to the Crown, but Irish representatives submit that allegiance and the Ulster problem are interwoven. CARGO OF ARMS SEIZED. Received Nov. 3, 10 Berlin, Nov. 2. The German Government announces that on October 6 it confiscated a shipment of arms and ammunition intended for Ireland, and arrested the captain of the vessel. WORKHOUSE SEIZED. Received Nov. 3, 10 ,p.m. Lodon. Nov. 2. The Republican forces seized the workhouse at Carndonagh in Donegal, 20 miles north of Londonderry, and posted armed sentries.—-Aus.-N.Z. Cable AMsn.