TRIMMING OR CARVING?
The controversy that has arisen over the .question of the boundaries’ to divide Nationalist Ulster from the territory of the Irish Free State is just one of those matters which can be the means of causing bitter and prolonged strife, especially where conditions favor an upheaval. In the ordinary way when it is necessary to define boundaries great care is taken that they shall be fully, and accurately specified. When the treaty was made between the representatives of Britain and Ireland the question of the boundaries of the Free State (from which Ulster was excluded) was left open for adjustment, and Mr. Collins claims that it is a matter for the inhabitants of the areas concerned to decide—and for them only. That method, of course, accords with the general principle of self-determination in the abstract, but manifestly—as was found in the case of Silesia —the people, as such, are totally incompetent to act as a deciding tribunal. There is only one practical course whereby boundaries can be approximately adjusted so as to be just and equitable, and that is by means of a joint commission Representing both parties, and presided over by an independent chairman agreed upon by such parties. It is most unfortunate that the wording of this portion of the treaty afforded ample room for controversy relative to the extent of territory that may be affected by the process of adjustment. Commonsense points to a mere trimming of ragged ends, but partisanship claims that considerable carving of territory is permissible. It is quite possible that Mr. Lloyd George may have considered that, roughly, there was no room to question the general line of demarcation between the Ulster counties and the Free State, while Mr. Collins may have had quite 3. different conception on this point. At any rate the matter has not only developed into a controversy, but threatens to have serious consequences unless some sensible way out is agreed upon. Already it has encouraged the extremists to Indulge in threats, and Mr. Collins, apparently, is inclined to insist on obtaining all that he possibly can, while Ulster stands solid in its determination not to part with any territory “solemnly conveyed by an Act of the British Parliament”. Having gone so far on the road to peace and conciliation, it would be nothing short of a crime to revert to a “fight with the gloves off”, especially as there is a way out that appeals alike to both commonsense and patriotism.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TDN19220207.2.22
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Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1922, Page 4
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416TRIMMING OR CARVING? Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1922, Page 4
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