IRISH PEACE PROBLEMS.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17315, 29 November 1921, Page 7

IRISH PEACE PROBLEMS.

ALLEGIANCE TO THE CROWN. THE POSITION OF ULSTER. CBy Cable—Prees Association—Copyright.) ■(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received November 2Sth, 7.45 p.m.) , LONDON, November 28. The "Daily News," in the course of a remarkable article on Lord Birken- , head's speech, submits a series of questions, asserting that the nation is deter- . mined to have replies to them:—(l) , How can the Irish people, living only a few hundred miles distant, be abso- , lute masters of their own destiny if the British Crown retains the right to veto Irish domestic legislation? (2) Is the oath of allegiance taken by the individual members of a legislature like that of a Dominion the only practicable way of exhibiting Hie symbolism of the Crown ? (3) If Ulster ia to be "the Quebec of a Canadian Ireland," what area ought Ulster to be? The "Daily News" says the unsubedited evidence of the Irish negotiations would alone furnish material and satisfactory answers. Tho clearest understanding of all the arguments regarding tho symbolism of the Oown is specially important because the final battle will undoubtedly be fought on tliis issue. Englishmen are not prepared to kill Irishmen and force the Burvivors to take tho oath of allegiance. Tho "Daily News" asks:—(l) If Ireland is ready to submit to the King's i supremacy by a declaration by the i head of the States, but cannot promise ■ that the members of the Dail Eireann [ will take an oath except one of loyalty , to Ireland, is this a casus belli? (2) If I Britain is prepared to accept such su--1 premacy and waive individual altegi- ' ance, but is compelled by Ulster to aci cept, is this a casus belli? (3) If Ire- > land is prepared to accept a qualified independence on these lines, provided 1 the north-eastern area to be excluded ia defined by a plebiscite, is that a [ casus belli? The "Daily News" declares the answer is in the negative, '■ and demands the most complete report ' regarding the- negotiations, in order to prevent a war against the will of [ the British people. > (United B#rrio*,j | LONDON, November 26. The "Sunday Times" says there will ; be no general election in Great Britain > in 1021. I It is felt that the Prime Minister's presence in Washington is imperative. " He will probably return in the New Year, Lord Birkenhead and Mr Austen Chamberlain will take up the Irish question. ' Ulster is demanding definite written assurances of Sinn Fein allegiance to ttho Crown.