DAYS OF ANXIETY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11048, 3 November 1921, Page 5

DAYS OF ANXIETY

THE IRISH SITUATION HOUR OF DECISION MAY COME AT ANY TIME. ULSTER THE PIVOTAL FACTOR. By Telegraph— Press Assn.—Copvnght. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received November 2, 9.5 p.m.) LONDON, November 2. The Australian Press Association learns that, whilst most critical, the Irish situation is practically unchanged. The hour of decision may come at any time. Ulster continues to be the pivotal factor. Mr Lloyd George’s most difficult position is emphasised in all quarters. His pledges to Ulster are recognised. It is believed Ulster has been approached to make concessions in Fermanagh and Tyrone, which were rejected. Mr Lloyd George is prepared to face the stern necessity of hostilities if the question of allegiance to the Throne is involved. On the contrary, if the negotiations fail solely on account of the Ulster frontier question, he would rather resign than be an instrument of war, not believing that that issue alone would justify the resort to extremities. THE PREMIER’S SPEECH “A NOTABLE SERVICE,” SAYS IRISH PAPER, ANXIOUS FOR PEACE, BUT • (Received November 2, 9.5 p.m.) LONDON, November 2, Tie “Irish Bulletin” says: —“The British Premier’s epeeoh did the cause of peace one notable service. He based a considerable portion of his speech on ! facts, and, discarding the old propagandist shibboleth, arrived at an almost accurate interpretation of certain' phases of the situation. Mr Lloyd George declares any settlement by conference must be submitted in all detail to the House of Lords and House of Commons. It seems that it would be gravely endangering any fruitful result of the conference to throw the proposed settlement, if and when completed, to the mercy of party politics. We are anxious for peace and friendly association, hut if the British Government abandons the right of relying on. superior strength to endeavour to dictate a settlement, the peace thus obtained would not survive the first harsh breath of circumstances.” “THE TIMES'” COMMENT “PREMIER’S ANSWER TO INDICTMENT COMPLETE.” Publish.* In "Ths Times.” LONDON, November 1. “The Times” in a leader says: “Tlte Premier’s answer to the terms of the indictment waa complete. Regarding the negotiations he gave the only assurance which was possible to alleviate the present grave anxiety. He told the country plainly that the Conference would not break up till the conscience of the Government was free. If he adheres to his intention to hazard all in the possibility of achieving an honourable peace which will strengthen the Empire he will have done all that the most devoted friend® of Irish peace' ask of him.” IRISH DELEGATES 5 GIVEN VERY DEFINITE INSTRUCTIONS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, November 1. It is understood in Government circles that the Irish negotiation® have reached an extremely critical ' stage. Mr do Valera has given the Irish plenipotentiaries very definite instructions. Mr Lloyd George has practically abandoned the idea of going to Washington this'week. “ DIEHARDS’ ” BREAKAWAY WILL ME BONAR LAW RETURN? LONDON, November 1. The “Die-Hards’ ” breakaway redirected attention to the possibility of Mr Bonar Law’s return to active polithere is good authority for stating that he intends, if his recovery continues, to return to politic® early in 1922.