IRISH CONFERENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16573, 4 November 1921, Page 2

IRISH CONFERENCE.

OPTIMISM INCREASING* By Telegraph—Presm Association.—- Copyright. Reuter'* Telegrams. LONDON, November 3. Opinion is divided as to the trend of the Irish Conference, whioh after sitting for two hours adjourned late last night. Tbe Australian and New Zealand Press Association understands that the Fermanagh and Tyrone solution was explored thoroughly and that Mr Lloyd George’s invitation to the Ulster Cabinet, whioh was ‘unanimously supported by his colleagues, is the outcome. It is believed that Ulster decided to resist such appeal, on the ground that if tbe two countries are surrendered the step would be followed by further similar demands, which would materially assist Sinn Fein to squeere out the Ulster Parliament. While the closest secrecy continues it is assumed in important quarters that Mr Lloyd George will never ask Ulster to agree to a plebiscite if the Sinn Fein delegates do not capitulate regarding allegiance to tbe Throne, A better feeling is certainly evident in quarters where peswimijun has been marked. Sir James Craig comes to London tomorrow, ostensibly privately, but there is reason to suppose that he comes to voice the unalterable attitude of the Ulßter Cabinet if a certain eventuality, occur*. OPTIMISM IN IRELAND. LONDON. November 2. Optimism prevails in Irish Nationalist circles, caused by the circulation of rumours tbat a settlement has been reached. It is reported that two plans were di.icussed. One Is to give county option in Ulster, under which Fermanagh and Tyrone could vote themselves out of the Northern Parliament, hut in view of Ulster’s determination there is little prospect of its adoption. The second plan contemplates a federated Ireland, extending the Northern Parliament’s jurisdiction over Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan, thus giving stronger Roman Catholic representation in the Ulster Parliament. There will be a supreme Irish Parliament over both North and South. BREACH OF TRUCE. LONDON, November 2. Republican forces seized a workhouse at in Donegal, twenty miles north ot Londonderry, and posted armed sentries. CONFISCATES ARMS. BERLIN, Noveinl>er 2. The German Government announces that on October 6 it confiscated a shipment of arms and ammunition intended for Ireland, and arrested the captain of the vessel. KIDNAPPINGS. LONDON, November 3. A number of disquieting incidents are reported from Belfast. Mr M’Hugh, chairman of the Fermanagh County Council, was removed from his house at the point of the revolver and taken in a motor-car to an unknown destination. H© is a Nationalist and incurred the wrath of Sinn Fein through refusal to pay a levy. Three witnesses summoned to Tnniskillen quarter sessions likewise were kidnapped. A number of men were wounded at bombing drill in the I.FA. camp at mid-Louth.