The Star. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1921. PEACE OR WAR?

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16571, 2 November 1921, Page 6

The Star. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1921. PEACE OR WAR?

| The speech which Mr Lloyd George made in the House of Commons on the Irish problem must create a deep impression throughout the world. For the first time since the initiation of the conferences with the Sinn Fein delegation the House was given a direct opportunity to its opinion on the course of events. The lead was taken by the group known as the “ Diehards ” —tlie representatives of the old Unionists who opposed the granting of any form of self-government to Ireland. They produced a motiop which was a direct challenge to the negotiations, and if it had been carried the Government would have had no option b't to resign. The House, however, defeated the motion by an overwhelming majority, the voting being 439 to 43. The division came at an opportune time, in view of the critical position of the conference. It showed that the House was almost unanimously in favour of the efforts to secure peace in Ireland, and also that it was unanimously opposed to the separation of Ireland from the Empire. The moral effect this unequivocal declaration must be considerable j both in Britaiu and Ireland, and posteibly it will not he loston the Sinn Fein delegation. The choice rests with them, and it is to bo hoped that it will be made with a full sense of responsibility. The offer which has been made will ensure for Southern Ireland, by peaceful means, more than can ever be gained by the sword. The Southern Parliament will consist of members of the Dail, who will control the destinies of their country just as certainly as the Dominion Parliaments control those of Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The men who would be in power under the Trish Republic are the men who would have the direction of affairs in her Dominion Parliament within the Empire. A great deal more than the proverbial half-loaf is being offered. The consequences of the failure of the conference" ma.v be of the grimmest character, but they may have to be faced both by Britain and Ireland. Mr Lloyd George was not understating the case when he said that if the negotiations broke down the country would bo confronted by a position of unexampled difficulty. In the meantime he desires the House to endeavour to maintain an atmosphere favourable to a settlement, and to convince the country that if force is made the final resort there is no alternative. It need ‘hardly be said that the people of Britain shrink from war with feelings of intense horror and repugnance. They have felt in the past that the blood shed in Ireland was that of kinsmen, and they recognise that Irishmen have played a worthy part in the building up of the Empire as it exists to-day. If peace could be secured by even a great sacrifice the people of Britain would not hesitate to make it. There are limits, however, beyond which they cannot go. They are convinced that n Republican Ireland would be a menace to the security of the heart of the Empire, and until that conviction is shown to be baseless they will resist to the uttermost the demands of Sinn Fein. The final word for peace or war has yet to be spoken, but its utterance cannot be long delayed. Not the Empire only, but the world, awaits a most fateful decision.