IRISH PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 November 1921, Page 5

IRISH PROBLEM.

THE ISSUES DEFINED. DEMAND FOR MORE FACTS. INDEPENDENCE THE CRUX. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Nov. 28, 7.45 p.m. London, Nov. 28' The Daily News, in the course of a remarkable article on Lord Birkenhead’s speech, submits a series of questions, asserting that the nation is determined to have replies. Firstly, it asks: How can the Irish, living only a few hundred miles distant, be absolute masters of their own destiny if the 'British Crown retains the right to veto domestic legislation ? Secondly: Is the oath of allegiance taken by individual members of the Legislature like the Dominions, the only practical way of exhibiting the symbolism of the Crown ? Thirdly: If Ulster is to be the Quebec of a Canadian Ireland, what area ought Ulster to be? The paper proceeds: Unsub-edited evidence of the negotiations would alone furnish material for satisfactory answers. The clearest understanding of all arguments regarding the symbolism of the Crown is specially important, because the final battle will undoubtedly be fought on this issue. Englishmen are not prepared to kill Irishmen and force the survivors to take the oath. The Daily News asks: Firstly, if Ireland is ready to submit to the King’s supremacy by a declaraiton by the head of the State, but cannot promise the members of the Dail Eireann will take the oath except of loyalty to Ireland, is this a causus belli ? Secondly, if Britain is prepared to accept such supremacy and waive individual allegiance, but is compelled by Ulster to accept, is this a causus belli ? Thirdly, if Ireland is prepared to accept qualified independence on these lines, provided the north-eastern area is to be excluded as defined by a plebiscite, is that a causus belli? The Daily News declares the answer is in the negative, and demands a most complete report regarding the negotiations in order to prevent war against the will of the British people.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ATTITUDE OF LIBERALS. By Teie^raph.—Preas Assn —Copyright. London, Nov. 26. Mr. H. H. Asquith, addressing a Liberal mass meeting at Newcastle, declared that Liberals would not be parties for the sake of a corner of Ulster to the coercion of the great mass of the Irish people. General Macready has arrived at Belfast. The Lord Mayor announced that additionl troops had been promised if necessary. The corporation has decided to cover tramcar windows with wire netting as protection against bombs.