THE IRISH QUESTION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1360, 22 June 1918, Page 10

THE IRISH QUESTION.

WORSE THAN EVER. By Cable. — Press Association. — Copyright. (A. & N.Z.) LONDON, June 20. In the debate in the House of Lords on the Irish question, Viscount Wimborne said he thought the Government should have initiated a less ambitious policy regarding, recruiting in Ireland. The 80,000 British troops in Ireland ought to be on another front. Ireland's condition was worse than ever. Earl Curzon, replying, said that though the Government might not understand Ireland, it could not ignore her. He admitted his disappointment at the result of the Convention, but there was a considerable measure of agreement among all sections of Irishmen that the Government had been "worked out" by Irishmen. Therefore, the Government had decided to prepare a Home Rule Bill, but two things had occurred, first, the formidable conspiracy between the Sinn Feiners and the enemy; and, second, the action of the Roman Catholic clergy in advising their flocks under the penalty of eternal damnation, to resist conscription.

AN ABANDONMENT. (A. & N.Z.) LONDON', .Tunc 20. The newspapers interpret Earl Curzon's speech on Irish affairs in the House of Lords as a declaration that the Government has abandoned Home Rule and conscription alike. THE CONSPIRATORS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Rec. June 22, 0.0) LONDON, June 21. Mr E. Shortt, answering Mr R. L. Outhwaite, said that there was sufficient evidence against the Irish deportees to enable a prosecution for treason, but a prosecution was not considered necessary or advisable.