THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Northern Advocate, 21 July 1917, Page 3

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

CONVENTION PROPOSALS.

PLEA FOR THE REFERENDUM,

(Vustralian and N.Z. Cable Association

(Press Assn.—Reed. 9.10 p.m.)

LONDON, July 20

In the House of Lords, Lord Dunraven asked whether in view of the political situation in Ireland, the Government would undertake not to legis late in accordance with the Convention's proposals until the proposals had been submitted to the Irish people. The Government's attitude towards the Convention was not quite clear. Hβ understood that the Government proposed to legislate in the event of the Convention reaching a substantial agreement. That must mean a substantial agreement outside the Convention, because the Convention did not consist of delegates in the ordinary acceptance of the term.

Lord Curzon, replying, could not say what the Government's attitude was towards a referendum. The Government did not intend to take advantage of the Convention to force any scheme on Ireland in order to get the Government out of difficulties at the cost of Irish discontent. The Government would sanction a scheme only if it might reasonably expect to receive Ireland's support.