IRISH PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 November 1921, Page 5

IRISH PROBLEM.

THE PEACE CONFERENCE, SOME DELEGATES MEET. fHE DOOR NOT CLOSED. By Telegraph.—Frees Asm—Copyrigtt. Received Nov. 24, 5-5 p.m. London, Nov. 23. The Irish Conference Committee, consisting of Mr. Lloyd George, Lord Birkenhead. M.. Austen Chamberlain, Mr. Griffiths, and Mr. Collins, conferred for two hours to-day. Lore! Birkenhead, speaking at an Aldwyeh Club luncheon, said he could not invite them to take an over sanguine view of the critical Irish negotiations, but he could at least point out that the door excluding hope was Dot yet definitely closed. The negotiators’ task was very difficult and would become impossible if all the world were to bawl advice, menace and abuse outside the Conference room. It also would not be helpful to demand the publication of documents which were obviously confidential. Premature publication was injurious and might wreck the whole prospect of the negotiations. Lord Birkenhead added: ‘ The proepects of the Irish negotiations are subtly interwoven with the issues of the Washington Conference. I cannot describe the relief there would be in the whole international atmosphere, especially the atmosphere of Anglo-American relations, if the negotiations were brought to a harmonious conclusion, promising the loyal continuation of Ireland as a free partner in the Empire, and removing the sole, chronic and per- ■ manent cause of Anglo-American antagonism. This problem of all problem* is bound up in the historic discussions at Washington. Judged from I the historical perspective this is the greatest moment in the history of the world. If the Conference fails it fails, but it prevents better prospects of success than any similar gathering in hi«tory. If this attempt fails—l am choosing the words deliberately—l see little alternative to international bankruptcy. If it succeeds it may ultimately be possible financially to save Europe and the world.”—Aus.-N-Z. Cable Assn. CHARGE AGAINST BRITAIN. Received Nov. 24, 9.45 p.m. London. Nov. 24. The Irkh Bulletin publishes an open letter from Mr. John Mac Neil! to Mr. De Valera, charging the British Government with preparing a sectarian army for war in Ireland. The Bulletin comments that the establishment of a see- | tarian army in that part of Ireland where alone sectarianism lives is a natural development of British policy.— Cable Assn. APPEAL TO COUNTRY POSSIBLE. London. Nov. 23. Kingsley Wood (Coalition Uniontember for Woolwich), addressing h * mstitoeni-*, said the Irish negotiations rested on a thread. The country might at an early date have to pass judgment on the present proposals. It might well be that such proposal* would be presented by a new ad- j ministration.

A HOPEFUL VIEW. London. Nov. 22. Speaking at Glasgow. Sir Robert florae condemned carving Ireland into sections, enabling one to pass legislation •which would be an impediment to the nation as a whole. He did not despair of an honorable settlement, which would create a totally different feeling throughout the world, and make a great difference in our relations with America, and have a very good effect on the Dominions.