IRISH DEADLOCK.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 November 1921, Page 5

IRISH DEADLOCK.

ULSTER STANDS FIRM. NO FURTHER SURRENDER. THE FUTURE UNCERTAIN. By Telecrxph —Preu Assn —Copyrlfht. London. Nov. 10. The Ulster Cabinet met this morning. Mr. Lloyd George apologised for hie inability to furnish a detailed statement until later in the day. He suggested that the interview with him should be deferred until to-morrow. Sir James Craig, on behalf of the Cabinet, wished it to be clearly understood that there can be no further surrender of Ulster rights. Replying to a question in the House of Commons, Mr. Lloyd George said he still hoped the Irish negotiations would prove successful. He viewed with grave eoneern the breaclses of the truce occurring in Ireland, but he was satisfied the Sinn Fein authorities were doing their best to secure the observance of the truce. Received Nov 11, 8.15 p.m. London, Nov. 11. There is very profound disappointment in and jout of Parliament that Mr. Lloyd George is not able to make a more definite pronouncement regarding Ireland. It was expected home indication of the trend of events would be disclosed before the prorogation. Unofficial attempts were made to induce Mr. Lloyd George merely to adjourn, but he decided otherwise, and Parliament will not assemble before January 30 unless an untoward happening occurs. Mr. Lloyd George's memorandum setting out the discussions and proposed term* of settlement, which was unanimously endorsed by Cabinet, has been handed over to Sir James Craig (Ulster's Leader), who is still obdurate. Other Ulster members of the Cabinet made statements to interviewers, one declaring that if the South proved loyal Ulster might consider the suggestion in a few years, bat at present Ulster did not trust the South. The King's Speech and the optimism of Mr. Lioyd George's speech produced, a cheerier effect, which was evidenced as members of the Commons left the House after the prorogation. It must be remembered that the warmer atmosphere ia not shared by the Ulstermen, who remain grimly They may decide to take the documents home and consult their friends, or bluntly and immediately refuse to discuss any proposition. A third alternative is that Sir .lames Craig may inform Mr. Lloyd George that Ulster has been no party to the London conference, “the proceedings of which do not concern us, but we are prepared to enter a round table ronference if the previous proceedings are scrapped.” This would be a decided step towards tun improved situation, but opinion continues to harden against Ulster's adamnncy. This is not likely to impress James Craig’s dour, granite-like personality, though people are beginning to ask if his colleagues are prepared to follow him to an ultimate final break, resisting good faith appeals for reconciliation. It is not likely any decision will be communicated for some days, and in the meantime it is stated in informed circles that Mr. Lloyd George has prepared a special appeal which he will submit to Sir James Craig and his col leagues at the first meeting. He will ask. them to at least examine and discuss the proposals, instead of giving an immediate and definite refusal. Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Bonar Law met recently, and there was a frank exchange of view*, the result of ■which is unknown. Daily appeals from manv quarters have been made to Mr. Bonar Law to reveal his attitude. HOPFS FOR PEACE. WARNING AGAINST RUMORS. PLEA FOR PATIENCE. Received Nov. 11, 5-5 p.m. London, Nov. 10. Mr. Austen Chamberlain sent the following message to-night to the Unionist Partv: “I understand how real and widespread is the anxiety in Unionist circles regarding the Irish negotiation!, but it must be recognised that it is impossible" for one of the negotiators to deal daily with the crop of rumors suggested, to which public anxiety gives rise. No negot rat Tons can successfully be conducted on such a basis, and' I therefore appeal to my colleagues in the House, and my supporters in the country, not to allow their minds to be biassed by rumor, but to reserve judgment until a full statement is possible. I believe, with patience and goodwill, a safe and honorable peace with Ireland is possible. *The Government has stated the broad outline of the neees-ary basis for such a statement, and it is not too much to Usk a measure of confidence from my friends ' —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.