ULSTER UNSETTLED.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 December 1921, Page 5

ULSTER UNSETTLED.

ANTI-BRITISH FEELING. GRIEVANCE OVER TREATY. INCIDENTS OF DISLOYALTY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Received Dec. 12, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 11. The Ulster Unionist Labor Association passed a resolution to demand the release of all Protestants imprisoned in connection with Irish troubles, on the ground of the recent release of Sinn Feiners. Belfast takes the dramatic rapprochement between Britain and Sinn Fein as a great grievance, and dark and cryptic statements are made regarding Ulster’s future attitude. Increasingly frequent anti-Briti«h feeling is in evidence. At one public function on Saturday the audience demanded that “God Save the King” should not be played, and it was accordingly removed from the programme. At other places where the National Anthem was played the audience remained seated. Reference was made in many churches today to the dark days before Ulster. The Protestant Bishop of Down, in a remarkable letter to the Morning Post, says: “Had Ulster taught bitter hatred against England to her school children, had she entered during wartime in intrigue with Germany, had she raised a rebellion when Britain was engaged in a life-and-death struggle, had Ulster ambushed British soldiers and mutilated them when dead, and murdered British officers in their beds in the presence of their wives, would, then, the British Government have thought Ulster’s wishes worthy of consideration ? Thank God Ulster did none of these things. She could not do them; but oijie thing she dared, notwithstanding hate—she dared to love England. Yes, her, and fought for her for centuries. Was she wrong?”

A BETTER TONE. REASONS FOR CO-OPERATION. Received Dec. 12, 8.50 p.m. London, Dec. 12. Indications are forthcoming that Belfast is producing an important school prepared to join the South, whose financial condition is envied by Ulsterites. The latter fear an attempt to divert Belfast trade to Dublin. It is well known that Ulster business men now in Dublin declare peace is inevitable, and Ulster will be compelled for financial and economic reasons to accept friendly association with the South. ULSTER PROBLEMS. London, Dec. 10. It is believed the Premier reassured Sir .Tames Craig that the boundary inquiry will permit territorial additions and subtractions alike, but the financial problem is more difficult. The Act of 1920 assessed Ireland’s contribution to the Imperial services at IS millions, namely ten from the South and eight from the North, but the Free State is now liable only for its share of service and war pensions, probably ten millions for Ireland all told, or for over contributions since the Act of Union. Uster, if she stands out, will be denied such claim, therefore will have to pay the original eight millions. If she joins the South she will share the responsibilities and privileges. Belfast opinion is that the Dail Eireann majority will be staunch for the settlement. Half the Roman Catholic bishops have already signified their approval. A typical message froni Bishop Fogarty, of Killaloe, says: “This treaty is God’s gift to me. Its effect on the world is worth half a navy for England. I am confident it will have the cordial allegiance of every Irishman. Belfast will find Dublin no enemy, but a warmhearted friend.”