DECISION TO COME SOON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16572, 3 November 1921, Page 2

DECISION TO COME SOON.

IRELAND AND PEACE. By Telegraph-Tress Association-Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, November 2. The Australian and New Zealand Press Association learns that whilst most critical, the Irish situation is practically unchanged. The hour of decision may covne at any time. Ulster is continuing the pivotal factor. Mr Lloyd George's most difficult position is emphasised in all quarters. His pledges to Ulster are recognised. It is believed that Ulster has been approached to make concessions in regard to Fermanagh and Tyrone, which were rejected. Mr Lloyd George is prepared to face the stern necessity of hostilities it the question of allegiance to the Throne is involved. On the contrary, if negotiations fail solely on account of the Ulster frontier question, he would rather resigu than bo the instrument of war. not believing that that issue alone would justify resort to extremities. The * J Irish Bulletin ” says : —'* The British Premier’s speech did the cause of peace one notable service. He based a considerable portion of bis speech on facts, discarding the old propagandist shibboleth, and arrived at .an almost accurate interpretation of certain phases of the situation. Mr Lloyd George declares that any settlement by the conference must be submitted iu all its details to the House of Lords and House of Commons. It seems to l>e gravely endangering any fruitful result of the conference to throw the proposed settlement, if and when completed, to the merer of partv politics. We are anxious for peace and friendly association, but if the British Government abandons right, relying on superior strength to endeavour to dictate a settlement, the peace thus obtained would not Kurvivo the first harsh breath of circumstance.”