IRISH TRUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1921, Page 5

IRISH TRUCE.

PEACE OK WAR? A CRITICAL STAGE. NEED FOR GOODWILL. By • Telegraph.—Preu Assn.—Copyright. Received Nov. 15, 5.5 pjn. London, Nov. 14. Mr Austen Chamberlain (CoalitionjUnionist), replying to criticisms by Mr. Ronald Mac Neil (Coalition-Unionist) of the Cabinet’s negotiations, writes: “Like all my Unionist colleagues, I repeatedly said I would not be a party to the coercion of Ulster. By that pledge we stand. Mr. Lloyd George is similarly pledged, and leither he nor we will depart from that >osition. But these promises contain wthing that should deter us from seeking >eace by an agreement between the conlicting parties in Ireland and Britain. “Peace is our greatest need. One million even hundred and fifty thousand people *re worktess, trade is stagnant, confidence s lacking, and on the result of the present legotiations depend the issues of peace or *-ar in these islands, and perhaps the •uture peace of the world. I would regard myself as unworthy of the leadership of the Unionists in the House of Commons if I did not use my utmost efforts to secure a just and honorable settlement in such circumstances. If peace is to be secured all the parties to this ancient and bitter controversy must show some measure of goodwill, and be prepared to make concessions to the feelings of others. Britain is ready to do her share, and the Government has plainly told the representatives of the South that they must do theirs. Is it to be imputed as a crime that I and my colleagues invited Ulster to confer in the same spirit and contribute her share towards an amicable settlement?”

After recalling Cabinet’s considered invitation to the Irish Convention in February. 1918, to seek an agreement based on a single Legislature for a united Ireland, Mr. Chamberlain claims that neither Mr. Mac Neil, Sir Edward Carson, nor Ulster members then protested, adding: “This is ill we are asking now. If Ulster refuses we shall not attempt to coerce her. We will abide by our pledged word. She is mistress of her fate, but upon her decision, and still more upon the spirit in which she approaches the grave issues, may depend, not only the file of Ulster, but the future history of our country and the Empire.” Pointing out that any settlement will be fully discussed in Parliament and the country. Mr. Chamberlain asks Unionists to suspend judgment until the terms are published. . Sir James Craig (Ulster Premier) has issued a statement traversing Mr. Chamberlain's letter to Mr. Mac Neil. He says, m reference to Mr. Chamberlain’s assertion that Sir Edward Carson, Mr. Mac Neil or Mher Ulster members did not protest against the Irish convention in 1918, that the statement is made under a complete misapprehension. The facts were that immediately no hearing that representation might be made to the convention. Sir Edward Canon, who was a member of the Government. resigned.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assa PEACE NEGOTIATIONS. SAVED FROM COLLAPSE. THE PREMIERS TACT. Received Nov. 15, 9 p.m. London, Nov. 14. Mr. Chamberlain’s letter to Mr. Mac Neil reiterating the pledge to Ulster has resurrected the rumor regarding the collapse of the negotiations. This is untrue, although how the deadlock can be relieved nobody knoris. Mr. Lloyd George has certainly enhanced his reputation by the manner in which he keep? the conference alive, and even his opponents admire his devotion. The Australian Press Association understands that there were frequent dramatic moments at the conference, when continuance hung on a thread, the Prime Minister's tact alone inducing the delegates to continue. He is now attempting to induce Sir James Craig (Ulster) and Mr. Griffiths (Sinn Fein) to meet, not as official representatives of the North and South, but as man to man. In the present tempers of the opposing factions this is doubtless a heroic undertaking. Obviously the only way to peace will be found in Coalitionists starting a great oratorical campaign preparing for the eventuality of an early election. —Aua.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CABINET REPLY TO ULSTER. London. Nov. 14. The Irish committee of Cabinet; composed the reply to Sir James Craig tonight. It is understood Sir James Craig refu»ed a settlement on the basis of an All-Ireland Parliament counter and suggested that the North and South Parliaments should each enjoy Dominion status with equal powers. It is not expected a decision will be reached prior to the momentous Unionist Conference at Liverpool on Thursday evening. The Standard’s lobbyist points out the position is delicate, but not critical. He believes an agreement on principle was achieved during the week, in which event a conference representing Ulster and the Sinn Fein Government will be summoned without delay.