NO PROGRESS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1921, Page 5

NO PROGRESS.

IRISH PARLEY PROCEEDS. TROUBLE WITH ULSTER. SITUATION OBSCURE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Nov. 6, 11.40 p.m. London, Nov. 6. Sir James Craig (the Ulster leader) arrived in London on Saturday unexpectedly. He called at Downing Street and had a lengthy interview with Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Austen Chamberlain, and after two hours’ discussion they adjourned till the afternoon. Shortly after resumption Sir Worthington Evans and Sir Robert Horne were hurriedly called, the talk lasting for hours.

Sir James Craig stated later: “I arranged if and when Ulster's interests are reached at the conference all Ulster’s representatives will be asked to attend. In the meantime nothing will be settled behind our backs.”

The Sinn Fein delegates immediately circulated the following reply: ‘‘Presumably Sir James Craig meant that as the British Government was responsible for the situation created by the tit ion Act it will consult himself and colleagues regarding satisfactory means of rectifying the blunder. The conference will, of course, be confined to accredited representatives of the British and Irish nations.”

It is now understood that Sir James Craig, assuring Mr. Lloyd George that ' he has the unqualified support of the , Ulster Cabinet, has adopte*d an uncompromising attitude towards the suggesI tions made to him by the Premier and ’ Mr. Chamberlain, and their meetings ' did not ease the crisis. It is regarded ias a curious coincidence that Messrs. Collins and Duffy (Sinn Fein delegates) , proceeded to Dublin on Friday for the . purpose of interviewing Mr. De Valera and other leaders. This, followed by ' yesterday’s proceedings at Downing > Street, caused wild rumours that the i conference had definitely collapsed. It is not believed in informative circles ! that this is true, though the situation I has regained its old strain and obscurity. Mr. Lloyd George was due to proceed to Chequers Court (his country home) on Saturday, but abandoned the visit. Further Cabinet meetings are being held to-day.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.