IRISH AFFAIRS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18115, 4 June 1919, Page 5

IRISH AFFAIRS.

THE AMERICAN DELEGATES. DISCUSSION IN HOUSE OF LORDSBy Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Australian and N(.Z. Cable Association. (Received June 4, 12.5 a.m.) LONDON, May 22. In the House of Lords, Lord Midleton ashed whether the Government facilitated the visit of the Irish-Ameri-can delegation, and declared that whenever London interfered it was in an intolerable manner. It was inconceivable that- tbe nation which fought the greatest civil war in history was now advocating a pohey for Ireland which, although called self-determina-tion, meant civil war. Lord Birkenhead replying, said that three successive Governments had 4 failed to solve the Irish problem. It was easy to understand the reasons why the delegation was allowed to go to Ireland to see things for themselves. It was hoped the war would result in a better understanding between the Anglo-Ameri-can peoples. The activity of IrishAmericans was one of the greatest obstacles. It was not anticipated that the delegation would make a series of treasonable speeches. Lord Birkenhead said that Mr Lloyd George had intended subsequently to receive the delegation and make a considered speech to the world through them, explaining the difficulties. If a mistake were made Mr Lloyd George would not he harshly judged, because he was grappling with the gravest and most eomnlex problems relating to the peace of tbe world- As soon as peace was signed the reconstituted British Government would consider the application of Home Rule. In the meantime the majority of the Irish were in open rebellion. Murder was common, and was n-t discouraged by the Sinn Feiners. Therefore the only policy in the meantime must be tbe protection of life with whatever force was necessary.