IRISH REVOLT.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15606, 2 June 1916, Page 8

IRISH REVOLT.

THE ROYAL COMMISSION LORD FRENCH'S TESTIMONY. REMARKABLE STATEMENT BY i LORD TVIMBORNE. (By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright.) LONDON. May 31. At a sitting of. the Royal Commission a letter, written by Lord French. Com-mander-in-Chief of the Home Armies, to the President, Lord Hardinge, was read. Lord French wrote that he felt that the condition of Ireland was unsatisfactory. He interviewed Mr Birrell early in February, and Mr Birrell did not seem to be afraid of the Sinn Feiners, but feared dynamite outrages. Lord French consequently believed that it was unnecessary to reinforce the Irish garrison, but held troops :n readiness in England.

Mr Birroll, when interviewed on March 23rd, did not indicate that his opinion had changed. He only urged the despatch of troops to assist recruiting, but Lord French could not spafe men for that purpose. Lord "VViniborne, Ix»rd Lieutenant of Ireland, recalled before the Commission, said that he signed all documents on tho Chief Secretary's advice. He was not officially consulted respecting their character. He regarded himself rather as a figurehead. The Commission was adjourned until further notice. ADMINISTRATION OF IRELAND. MR LLOYD GEORGE'S . NEGOTIATIONS. LONDON, May 31. The ''Glasgow Herald" asserts that a basis of settlement of the Irish problem has been reached. The leaders have agreed to an Irish Parliament, excluding the whole or the greater part of Ulster. Later. There is no confirmation of the "Glasgow Herald's" statement of a settlement having been reached, though there is a general of hopefulness. The Press Burfflu announces that Mr Lloyd George wi'i not be making an announcement to-morrow as to the result of Ms negotiations with the Irish leaders at the present stage, a s it would be premature. Mr Lloyd George has not completed his enquiries, which areproceeding as rapidly as possible. ("Times" and "Sydney Sun" Services.) LONDON, May 31. The "Manchester Guardian" hopes that interest in tho war will not distract public opinion from Ireland, because the question is likely to influence profoundly the fortunes of the war. The Sinn Fciners rebelled in order to distract Britain, and if the question had been unwisely handled, the revolt j might not have been so futile as it seemed.

THE NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS. LORD KITCHENER'S TRIBUTE. ("Times" and "Sydney Sun" Services.) (Received June Ist, 5.20 p.m.) • LONDON, May 31. In the House of Lords, replying to Lord Chavnwood, Lord Kitchener paid a tribute to the eallant behaviour of the National Volunteer Corps in Dublin, and their useful work elsewhere. They might prove highly useful in a case of emergency. A COURT-MARTIAL. SHOOTING OF SHEEHY-SKEFFING-. TON. (Received June Ist, 10.20 n.m.) London, June l, Tho court-martial of the officer who is alleged to have shot Sheehv-SkefTmg-ton without a trial will open at Dublin on Tuesday. The accused is named Uowen Calthorpe. He is an Irishman who has 6een service at the front.