IRISH SITUATION.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 14741, 22 August 1921, Page 5

IRISH SITUATION.

MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S SPEECH.

LIMIT OF CONCESSIONS. THE HOUSE ADJOURNS. (A. and N.Z. Cable.) LONDON, August 20. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr. Lloyd George said that ho could say nothing, at this stage on tho Irish situation. There was always the . danger that a word might be used which was capable of misunderstanding, or misrepresentation.. All the Government "had to say had been said in his two letfcersj to do' Valera. Tho Government had laid all ,its cards on tho table. He had heard no suggestion from "any quarter of tho world that the proposals had not gone to the limits of possible concessions. While-nego-tiations remained open with regard to details,- tho outline of the terms eould not-bo altered, nor the basis changed. If an agreement were reached a Bill would immediately be submitted to Parliament, but he was "bound to provide for the possibility of rejection. ' •'•;, /' "If that misfortune befell us," •continued' the Prime Minister, "we should be faced with a graver situation than had ever before arisen. Eejectibh- Wjpuld mean a challenge to the authority of the Crown and the •unity of the Empire: -The steps which then ought to be taken, ought not to, betaken wifchpiifci.^consulting Parliament." He would summon Parliament atj,4B. hpugs.' notice. Th? Government preserved the right to take \any emergency measures necessary before Parliament, met.. He "hoped, in,-spite,.,of,the disquieting statements,. that., j-eason would pre r vail, . and that the Irish, headers would not reject the largest measure of freedom ever before .pffered to Ireland, or take the responsibility of renewing a conflict which would bo .robbed of all its glory by its'overshadowing, horror.. • "Mr. Asquith; said . that the Government proposals entirely commended theimselyes to.him.

Mr. Thomas (Labour) declared that they had reached a stage where the Irish question. ceased tOj he . a •party. question. .! . . ' " Mr. Grettpn protested that the •Government had: gone far beyond tho authority conferred oh it at the last election. The House adjourned. ~'.'" v Mr. Lloyd George has appointed a Cabinet. committee to act in an advisory capacity with 'Sir - Hamar .Greenwood, in any, emergency..

THE^REPLY

.' -UNOFFICIAL FORECAST, (A. andN. Z. Cable.) ; ~'• LONDON, August 20. : It is believed that the L)ail Tlireann's reply will ask for definitions, and guarantees to. enable a clear issue to be put before the Irish people, who will be asked .to decide by referendum., .'.-•.