ULSTER FIRM.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 November 1921, Page 5

ULSTER FIRM.

CONCESSIONS REFUSED. SETBACK TO PEACE. UNCERTAIN OUTCOME. By Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright. Received Nor. 9, 5.5 p.m. London. Nov. 8. Sir Jabirs Craig (the Lister Premier ha- issued the following statement: *The Ulster Prime Minister spent another strenuous day in consultation with the Unionist leaders preparing for a meeting of tha Ulster Cabinet. Although he knows the line which he has adopted will meet with the -unanimous approval of the Ulster Loyalists, the situation was so grave that he felt the responsibility should be shared by the whole Ch bi pet/' Sir James Craig’s statement is regarded as the greatest indication yet forthcoming that Ulster has exorabiy rejected Mr. Lloyd George’s appeal to make Concessions to facilitate a permanent Irish peace. The Australian Press Association learn* that all politicals have abandoned hope that the Ulster Cabinet intends to recede one iota from its frequently expressed hostility to any proposal amending Ulster’s position under the Home Rule Act. It m difficult to forecast the ultimate outcome of this attitude, but it is not likely to win a big f« fllowing in this country, while it is pertain the original group of “diehards’’ will be augmented. When it comes to the final fight in the House of Commons it is probable that Mr. Austen Chamberlain and Lord Birkenhead, hitherto Ulster’s champions, will not accept the responsibility for supporting Ulster’s “diehard” attitude, but will rally round Mr. Lloyd George with the majority of the Unionists. The disturbing political factor at the moment is Mr. Bonar Law’s attitude. Since his return to polities there has been no public indication whether he will retain his old thick and thin adherence to Ulster or support Mr. Lloyd George. It is pointed out in certain circles that if he adopts nis former attitude he will be practically the only statesman who could attempt to form a Government if Mr. Lloyd George resigns, the only alternatives being Mr. H. H. Asquith (Liberal) or Mr. J. R. Clynes (Labor). In the meanwhile the conference has been suspended awaiting Sir James Craig’s declaration. Messrs. Collin* and Duffy have returned, it is beHeved with & mandate to abandon the claim for Reparation under certain conditions.

THE ULSTER PROBLEM. MINISTERS VISIT LONDON. London, Nov. 8. Four members of the Ulster Cabinet trill arrive in London to-morrow to confer with Mr. Lloyd George and Sir James • Craig. The opinion prevails in Belfast that the Cabinet is unlikely to agree to any j settlement proposals without first coniulting the people of Ulster. CO-OPERATION URGED. London. Nov. 7. The Daily Mail, in an editorial, appeals or the ro-operation of the Craig Cabinet in the adoption of a scheme, includng North and South Parliaments, with » Senate over them uniting the coun-n-y. In such a settlement the allegiinee of the Soutr. would not be questioned: on the other hand the hearty »-operation of the Southerners as citi:ena of the Empire eouW be expected, rhere are excellent reasons to hope that tuch an agreement can be reached. It is 4 great opportunity for Ulster.