THE ULSTER CRISIS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16423, 6 May 1924, Page 5

THE ULSTER CRISIS.

“HOTHEADS’’ TALKING OF WAR

COMPROMISE HOPED FOR,

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Sydney Sun Cables.) LONDON, May 4.

Lord Birkenhead advises Sir James Craig to appoint n member of the Commission.

Sir James Craig refuses, contending that Northern Ireland was not a party to the treaty. Legal experts regard this position <vs untenable. They point out that, the treaty creating tire Free State is embodied in an Imperial Act passed in 1922 and virtually amends, thei Home Buie Act, 1920, under which Northern Ireland is constituted. The hulk of the public arid press opinion in England is strongly opposed to any attempt- to coerce Ulster, hut Lahorites and Liberals are sympathetic with, the Free State’s demand for the appointment of a- boundary commission. Though “hotheads” on both sides in Ireland are talking of war, it is believed a compromise ultimately will be arranged. One suggestion is that- the Free State should waive lor ten years the settlement- of the boundary, conditional on the British Government waiving for a decade its financial claims against the Free State. Mr. J. 11. Thomas, speaking at Derby, said the boundary question could not be solved by abusing, the Irish leaders. There must not be any talk of another war, or another attempt to coerce Ulster. He: had Refused to disclose to Parliament the proposals the Labor Government had submitted to the Irish Conference on April 24 because they were private documents. It was not intended te treat the treaty as a scrap of paper. The Government would honor it in spirit and in letter. (Received May 6, 1 p.m.) LONDON, May 5. In the House of Commons Mr. Thomas announced that following on the appointment of a Free State representative of the Irish Boundary Commission, His MajeSfy’s Government had requested the Northern Ireland Government to make a similar appointment, steps being taken to appoint a chairman.