QUESTION FOR THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 960, 9 March 1917, Page 7

QUESTION FOR THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

NATIONALISTS CONSIDERING THE POSITION. CHANCES OF SETTLEMENT VERY SLIGHT. Australian and N.Z. Calle Association. (Received March 9, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, March 8. Immediately following their dramatic withdrawal from the House, the Nationalists met in their committee room. The proceedings were hrief, and no decision was come to, the discussion heing adjourned until Thursday at noon. The result is being awaited with the utmost interest. Mr Redmond is ohviously suffering from the effects of his recent illness. He spoke with much difficulty. Members of all parties extended their sympathy. Iu the lohhy members animatedly discussed the development. The opinion is expressed in some quarters that a settlement is improbable. In view of the present tone of the "Emperor of the Nationalists," it is expected that no progress will be achieved until the whole question has been brought up for impartial consideration at the Imperial Conference. The "Daily Chronicle," in a leading article, says:—"lf all parties were willing last summer to accept a settlement on the lines of Mr Lloyd George's announcement, the question would have been settled then. It is too late now. Mr Lloyd George knows it. He knows that he is offering what the Nationalists cannot accept, because Ireland will not. The Nationalist withdrawal emphasise the not unjustifiable barrenness of the Government's attitude. The real blame lies with last summer's wreekers.'' The "Morning Post's" Parliamentary correspondent says that Mr Asquith's suggestion inviting the assistance of the Dominions' representatives has not met with a practical response from the Nationalists. There is no ground for believing that Mr Asquith consulted the Dominion representatives before he made his speech. There is reason to believe that they are unwilling to be drawn into British domestic politics at a critical stage in the wan The arguments in favour of such an attitude seem to be irrefutable.