IRISH QUESTIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, 19 May 1917, Page 3

IRISH QUESTIONS

- " -CjO"- - MR REDMOND"S REPLY. PROPOSED CONVENTION •FAVOURED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, May 17. Mr Redmond, in his reply to Mr Lloyd George's proposals, says : '"Then: is no need to restate the grounds on which the Irish Party lias decided not to negotiate with the Government. 1 note what you say as to the impossibility of taking an action which would revive a violent political controversy at the crisis of the war, and the Government's necessity of proposing a settlement substantially acceptable to both eides. I cannot accept this proposition, which has not not been applied to some other matters since the outbreak of the war. My colleagues have considered the two alternatives, and are of opinion that the first will find no support in Ireland. They are irreconcilably opposed to the scheme, and any measure based thereon j will meet wit htheir vigorous opposition. The proposed convention has much to recommend it, and I trust ft may be found possible of realisation. Mv colleagues will place no obstacle in the way, and are prepared to earnestly recommend it to their countrymen on condition that the convention is representative of Irishmen of all creeds, interests, and parties, and is summoned without delay. If this is done 1 assure you that my colleagues and myself will spare no effort to realise our high and blessed ideal." Sir John Lonsdale, replying on behalf of the Ulster Unionists, states: — "We are opposed as strongly as ever \ to the entire Home Rule policy, but are | willing to consider the exigencies of the present situation. My colleagues and I | have not the power to accept the I scheme, but we will submit it to the Ulster Unionist Council with a recommendation that a decision should be reached promoting the peace and security of the United Kingdom." Mr William O'Brien replied to the Premier that he was unalterably opposed to partition, but he accepted the conference for which h:s followers had so long contended. LONDON, May 17. The Ulster Unionists, replying to Mr Llovd George, undertake to submit the settlement proposals to the Ulster Unionist Council's sympathetic consideration.