NATIONALISTS' ACTION CAUSES GRAVE CRISIS.

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

NATIONALISTS' ACTION CAUSES GRAVE CRISIS.

HOUSE ANXIOUS TO REACH A SETTLEMENT. A. and N.Z. Cable Association and Beuter. (Received March 9, 11 a.m.) LONDON, March 8. Mr Lloyd George said that Mr Redmond evidently misunderstood him. lie had clearly stated that Home Rule could be granted to any part of Ireland clearly demanding it, but the Government could not enforce it where it was repugnant. There were two ways of settling details—either by a conference of Irishmen, or by commission practically of the same character as that mentioned by Mr Asquith. "It has been suggested," said Mr Lloyd George, "that we should bring in a Bill on that basis, but we cannot in the middle of a great war bring in a Bill which may not be acceptable to any section until the Nationalists have indicated their attitude." Mr T. P. O'Connor said that there were only two alternatives in dealing with Ireland—settlement or coercion. The majority of sane men in Great Britain believed that a settlement was necessary, but the failure of last summer's negotiations was regarded in Ireland as a breach of a solemn compact such as had brought England into the war. The Government broke that compact, and the Irish drew the conclusion that England, now as ever, was '' perfidious England.'' Sir Henry Dalziel withdrew his motion, and the discussion was resumed. Captain Guest considered that the Nationalists' withdrawal would gravely affect our conduct of the Avar and our position in the eyes of the world. He hoped the Government would try a settlement along the lines of Mr Asquith's suggestion. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received March 9, 11.20 a.m.) LONDON, March 8. Mr T. M. Healy (Independent Nationalist, North-East Cork) said that he thought that the opponents of Mr Redmond considered that the Empire owed Mr Redmond its best gratitude. If the War Office had taken his advice it would have had from 200,000 to 300,000 troops, where rebellious elements now appeared. He taunted Mr Redmond with arranging a play-acting - coup by quitting the House. Mr Redmond ought to have provided something better. Neither he nor any of the Nationalists had offered a hand to Ulster since 1913, but instead they had pooh-poohed any suggestion of settlement. Home Rule for Ireland would take his excursion from the House at its proper measure. Ireland deserved after 30 years something better than a dramatic skedaddle from the House. Instead of bringing Mr Churchill's hottentots and niggers from Africa, England ought to try to win Ireland and America to its side in the war. The debate was adjourned.