RULING IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 December 1921, Page 5

RULING IRELAND.

ONE PARLIAMENT PLAN, OPPOSED BY ULSTER. ALLEGIANCE OF SOUTH. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 14, 7.15 p.m. London, Dec. J 3. The Irish correspondence between Mr. Lloyd George and Sir James Craig (Premier of Northern. Ireland) was lished to-day. Mr. Lloyd George, writing on November 10, invited the Ulster Cabinet to confer regarding final proposals for an Irish settlement, which would be based Firstly, on Irish allegiance to the Throne, with equal partnership as a free State within the Empire; secondly, r.ne provision of naval securities; thirdly, Northern Ireland to retain all the powers conferred by the Home Rule Act; fourthly, the unity of Ireland to be recognised, and the establishment of an All-Ireland Parliament. The letter added: “Northern Ireland will no doubt see many dangers in a settlement on these lines. It may be objected, for instance, that the patronage involved in the various public departments might be unfairly exercised on religious and other grounds. Although Ulster would retain control of its education and kindred subjects, the Irish Government would be in a position to withhold the funds necessary to defray the administrative cost, and moreover it might be feared that if the All-Ireland Parliament were to control the import and export trade the industries of Ulster would be imperilled. His Majesty’s Government recognise the force of these objections and desire consultation with yourself and Cabinet as to how they can best be met. The Government is aware ofi, the objections of Northern Irishmen to participation on any terms in an All-Ireland Parliament, and have therefore examined some alternatives and their consequences.” t FINANCIAL ASPECT.

Mr. Lloyd George continued: “Their study convinced them that grave difficulties would be raised for both parts of Ireland if jurisdiction over reserved subjects was not conferred upon a common authority.” Pointing out difficulties in connection with the Customs barriers between the North and the South, and recasting the financial proposals, Mr. Lloyd George proceeds: “It is the essence of Dominion status that the contribution of Dominions towards Imperial charges should be voluntary. If Northern Ireland is part of the Irish .State, its contribution will be voluntary. On the other hand, if the South became a Dominion while the North was part of the United Kingdom and had representation in the Imperial Parliament, it is clear Ulster would have to bear a proportionate share in all Imperial charges. It must be evident that the people of Britain are making important sacrifices in the settlement in offering to forego the right to exact from Ireland any contribution to future Imperial expenses.” Mr. Lloyd George said it was impossible to deal with the question adequately in correspondence, and he invited the Northern Ministry to confer with the British Cabinet.

Sir James Craig, replying on November 11, expressed surprise that the question of allegiance was included in tae proposals to be discussed, inasmuch as Mr. Lloyd George himself stated it would, not be open to discussion. The Government of Northern Ireland considered the allegiance of Southern Ireland was a matter resting with the British Ministry. Nevertheless the loyal population of Northern Ireland would be glad to feel assured regarding the permanent allegiance of South Ireland to the King, and that its enduring participation in the partnership of the Empire would be no longer questioned. ONE PARLIAMENT REFUSED. Sir .James Craig added: “An All-Ire-land Parliament cannot, under the existing circumstances, be accepted by Northern Ireland. Ulster’s detestation of it is in no degree diminished by the local institutions conferred under the Act of 1920. North Ireland is convin-. ced that no paptx safeguards will protect them against maladministration, and objection to participation in an All-Ireland Parliament has been materially strengthened by recent events.” Sir James Craig continued: “For these reasons the Government of North Ireland feel compelled to state that any discussion will be fruitless unless the British Ministry consent to withdraw the proposal of an All-Ireland Parliament.” Sir James Craig goes on to suggest that an alternative which British Ministers do not appear to have considered is that reserved powers, instead of being trusted to a common authority, should be conferred on the Governments of Southern and Northern Ireland within the areas of their respective jurisdiction. This might involve Northern Ireland losing her representation in the Imperial Parliament, but this is a lesser evil than inclusion in an All-Ireland Parliament. Mr. Lloyd George, replying on the 14th, points out: “Sir James Craig’s counter-proposals that Southern and Northern Ireland should, be constituted two separate Dominions, in our judgment is indefensible. The British Cabinet is opposed to it on the ground of broad Imperial principles. The creation of two Dominions in Ireland, one twenty-six and the other of six counties, would fundamentally change the existing system of the Imperial organisation. The status of Dominions 1» based upon the gradual amalgamation of large territories and scattered colonies into natural units of self government.” Mr. Lloyd George concludes by asking the Ulster Government to enter the conference without making preliminary conditions. OFFER TO ULSTER.

Sir James Craig, on the 17th, replied insisting on the desirability of granting Ulster the status of a separate Dominion. rather than placing Ulster under Sinn Fein. He added: “If Ulster is forced to leave the United Kingdom against the wishes of her people, she will desire to be left in a position to make her own fiscal and international policy, and retain British traditions, ideal’s, language, and. currency.” Sir James Craig’s attack of influenza then intervened. Mr. Lloyd George, on the 18th, suggested an informal talk when Sir James Craig had recovered. Mr. Lloyd George, on December n, wrote enclosing a copy of the settlement terms. In a covering letter he pointed out that the Government ot Northern Ireland had h«e»» invi.t-.pfl to

choose two alternatives: First, retaining all her existing powers she \vill enter an Irish Free State with such additional guarantees as may be arranged at a conference; second, she will retain her present powers, but in respect to all matters not already delegated she will share the rights and obligations of Great Britain. He added: “In the latter case we feel unable to defend the existing boundary, which must be subject to revision on one side or ths other by a boundary commission.” QUESTION OF BOUNDARIES. Received Dec. 14, 5.5 p m. London, Dec. 13.

! Tyrone and Fermanagh Unionists conferred with Sir James Craig. They contended that under the 1920 Act thenconsent was necessary to any change ©•f boundaries.—-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.