THE PROBLEM OF IRELAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17178, 4 June 1919, Page 7

THE PROBLEM OF IRELAND.

ATTITUDE OF AMERICA.

OBJECTIONS IN THE LORDS.

\ ACTION AFTER PEACE.

By Tclcsraph-Press Association-Copyright.

(Received 11,40 p.m.) A. and NZ. LONDON'. May 2U-Dclayed. Viscount Midleton, speaking in the House of.Lords, asked whether the Government had facilitated the visit of the Irish-American delegation to Ireland. Whenever London interfered in Irish affairs misfortune resulted. Now Paris had interfered in an intolerable manner. It was inconceivable that the nation which fought the greatest civil war in history was now advocating a policy in Ireland which, although called self-determination, meant civil war. * Lord Birkenhead replying, said that three successive Governments had failed to solve the Irish problem. It was easy to understand the reasons. The delegation had been permitted to go to Ireland to see things for themselves. It was hoped the war would result in a better understanding between Britain and America. The activities of the Irish-Americans was one of the greatest obstacles. It was not anticipated the members of the j delegation would make a series of' treasonable speeches. 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 was made, Mr. Lloyd George would not be harshly judged, because he was grappling with the gravest and most complex problems of a world's peace. As soon as peace was signed the reconstituted British Government would consider the application of the Home Rule Act. Meantime, the majority of the Irish were in open rebellion. Murder was common, and was not discouraged by the Sinn Fciners. Therefore, the only policy in the meantime must be the protection of life with whatever force was necessary.