IRISH CONFERENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16569, 31 October 1921, Page 7

IRISH CONFERENCE.

HANCINC BY A THREAD. POSITION RECARDED AS PRECARIOUS. By Telegraph-Prene Asßociation-Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received. October 31, 11.15 a.m.) LONDON, October 30. The British political situation continues to be most obscure. The Irish Conference, though in existence, is believed to hang by a thread. Such secrecy is being maintained that even Sinn Feiners in Dublin are complaining that they are unable to speak, act or think owing to their ignorance of events in London. The Irish delegation is regarding the situation ns preearioiiß, and have forwarded an important statement to Mr de Valera in Dublin, where a Sinn Fein secret convention terminated yesterday. Nobody fears that the “Di- Hards ’ will succeed in their censure motion, but it is asserted in some well informed quarters that if the motion were less sweeping it would win the support of the*majority of Conservative members in the House who dislike Mr Lloyd George and hate his policy. Th© “ Sunday Expressdeclares that the Prime Minister has two alternatives. THE “ D!ErHARDS* ,f MOTION. AN AMENDMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received October 31, 10.25 a.m.) LONDON, October 30. Lord Robert Cecil has given notice.of an amendment to the “ Die Hards’ ” motion declaring that, while it deplores the Government's lack of policy in Ireland during the last thye© years, the House is of opinion that the breaking off of negotiations at the present stage is likely to increase the dangers and difliculties of the situation.

It is possible that the Speaker will not accept the amendment to ensure the motion being dealt with.