IRELAND.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16448, 4 June 1919, Page 3

IRELAND.

{VISIT OF AMERICANS,

MAKES POSITION WORSE

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.

LONDON, May 22. In the House of I/ords, Lord Midleton asked whether the Government had facilitated the visit of the Irish,-Ameri-can delegation. Lord Midleton declared that whenever London interfered in Irish affairs the result was a misfortune. Now Paris had interfered in an intolerable manner. It was inconceivable. that the nation which fought the greatest civil war in history was now advocating a policy for Ireland which, although called self-determination, meant civil war.

Lord Birkenhead, replying, said three successive Governments had failed to solve the Irish problem. It was easy to understand the reasons why the delegation was allowed to go to Ireland to see tilings for themselves. It was hoped the war would result in a better understanding between the Anglo-American peoples. The activities of the Irisb-Americans was one of the greatest obstacles. It was not anticipated the delegation would make a series of treasonable speeches. Lord Birkenhead said Mr. Lloyd George had intended subsequently to receive the delegation and make a considered speech to the world through them, explaining the difficulties. If a mistake was made, Mr. Lloyd George would not be harshly judged, because he was grappling with the gravest and most complex problems relating to the peace of the world. As soon as peace was signed the reconstituted British Government would consider the application of Home Rule. , Meantime the majority of the Irish were in open rebellion.' Murder was common, and was not discouraged by the Sinn Reiners. Therefore the only policy meantime must be the protection of life with whatever force was necessary.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.