BEFORE THE BREAK.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 December 1921, Page 5

BEFORE THE BREAK.

TH£ PREMIER’S HOPES. WORKING FOR PEACE “STILL DOING MY BEST.” By Telegraph.—Preaa Assn.—-CoDgrlght. Received Dec. 9, 7.30 p.m. London, Dec. 9. Mr. Lloyd George sent a message vo a Coalition-Liberal dinner at the Manchester Reform Club, saying: “Tell my Liberal friends that despite discouragements and criticism I am still doing my best in the way which appears to me to be the most practicable to secure for our beloved country the blessings of real peace. I am aure Manchestei Liberals will not grudge expressing appreciation and gratitude of our Conservative colleagues, whose conspicuous patriotism made it possible for the Liberal Prime Minister, acting for no party, but in the interests of the nation, to make Ireland this great offer of reconciliation, which we all pray will re-establish lasting peace.” Mr. Stanley Baldwin, President of ths Board of Trade, speaking at Kentish Town, said the extreme Tory opinion that the Government would not have

surrendered but for the lawlessness and mufder was quite erroneous. The rebellion could have been suppressed more easily than was commonly supposed, hut it would have entailed war and bloodshed. The effect on the world and on the WaahiifgtOlt Conference would have been disastrous if a final attempt ha.d net been _ made to find a peaceful solution. M. Millerand telegraphed to the King: “Heartiest congratulations on the settlement for Ireland. The whole of France shares your joy in the happy event which has ended long and cruel difficulties.” M. Millerand congratulated -the King on his personal services in the matter. -The King repHed: “I am . deeply, moved by your kind thoughts, and thank vou in the name of the whole BntisTi Empire.” Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen, -President of the Board of Agriculture, speaking at Nottingham, urged the neees4ty -for the continuance of the Coalition. He thought a' general* election could not be long delayed. An Irish settlement would be a prelude to the adjustment of many troubles, an’d would bring back to ■England her old-tkne prosperity. Mr. Austen Chamberlain, speaking at a perty- moating in London, defended the steps Unionist members of the Cabinet had. taken io. connection with the Irish negotiations. He pointed out that Hre- ran considerable risk of being misunderstood, owing to secret "btft hTStOTV NMIT fftft judge them or the Coalition too Earshly, as they nmted this oM fwidr and brought

Ireland whole-heartedly within the Empire.* The opening of Parliament on the 14th inst. will -be on a irio.st impressive and spectacular scale, ami will be fitting fa Mie historic occasion. The Irish -Guards will Occupy the plice of honor - smoitg the troops, lining the route of the procession. The session, which is expected to terft inate ofi the 21st, w ill be entirely devoted to Irian aiTairs. The dYAfting of the agreemfrnt and ratification Bill has-eothoifneed- It is now expected Mr. Lloyd George will decide to go to the country in March, backed by the prestige of an Irish settlement, the CedifeS Uomlhittee'S WOTUffIIDB, afid the results of the Wartrington Conference.