THE IRISH PUZZLE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 149, 24 June 1918, Page 5

THE IRISH PUZZLE.

GOVERNMENT VACILLATION. / LONDON", June 23. The "Times" understands that Lord Curzon's announcement regarding Ireland was too hastily interpreted. The Government regards the Irish proposals as postponed and not abandoned. The (Government does iiot withdraw conscription nor relax its efforts to frame a Home Rule Bill. Recent events in Ireland have convinced the Government that tlie first business is the establishment of law and order. Its policy remains unchanged. The "Times" comments that the impression nevertheless is conveyed that Home Rule and conscription have gone into the abyss of forsaken, causes. Hecent developments of the new regime in Dublin, combined with Lord Curzpn's speecll, suggests sheer vacillation and bewilderment. Mr. Lloyd George would do well not to lose time in making his actual intentions plain.—(""Times.") The "Morning Post" says the Government has again burned its fingers badly. The abject surrender will hardly make the government of Ireland easier. The bedrock fact remains that the union must be maintained. The paper states that Mr. Lloyd George has agreed to receive as a deputation a committee appointed by all parties in both Houses, which will urge the appointment of a commission to draft a scheme of federal Home Rule. — i (Ueuter.) NEW YORK, June 21. The American Federation of Labour carried a resolution favouring Home i Rule for Ireland.—(A. and X.Z. Cable.) INDECISION AND IMPOTENCE. (Received 10.30 a.m.) KEW YOBK. June 23. The ''New York World" says that the British Government practically confesses that the Irish question is a. hopeless muddle. The Government no longer has j any Irish policy. Ireland might possibly have been conciliated if the Government had shelved conscription and established Home Rule along the lines of the Irish Convention, but the Government displayed all the faults of indecision and impotence in this crisis.— (A. and N.Z.) IN ABEYANCE. (Received 10.43 a.m.) LONDON, June 23. The newspapers emphasise that the Government's policy concerning conscription in Ireland and Home Rule is merely in abeyance. Mr. Lloyd George is expected to fully define the attitude of the Government during the impending debate in the House of Commons.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.)