ULSTER AND THE CONFERENCE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16583, 16 November 1921, Page 2

ULSTER AND THE CONFERENCE

PROPOSAL BY SIR d CRAIG, By TslefjrwpJi—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, November 14. Th© committee appointed by Cabinet to consider th© Irish position completed its reply to Sir James Craig tonight. It is understood that Sir James Craig refused a settlement on the basis of an All-Ireland Parliament. As a counter-proposal he suggested that th© North and South Parliaments should each enjoy dominion. status, with equal powers. It is not expected that a decision will be reached prior to th© momentous Unionist Conference at Liverpool on Thursday evening. The “Standard’s” lobbyist points out that the position is delicate, hut not critioal. He believes that an agreement on principle will be achieved during the week, in which event a conference representing Ulster and Sinn Fein Governments will be summoned without delay. KEEPING THE CONFERENCE ALIVE. LONDON, November 15. Mr Chamberlain's letter to Mr M’Neill, reiterating the pledge to Lister, lias resurrected tho rumour regarding collapse of negotiations. This is untrue, although how th© deadlock can he relieved nobody knows. Mr Lloyd GeQrg© has certainly enhanced his reputation by the manner in which he keeps the conference alive. Even his opponents admire his devotion. The Australian and New Zealand Press Association understands that there were frequent dramatic moments at the conference when continuance hung on a thread, th© Prime Minister’s tact alone inducing tho delegates to continue. He is now attempting to induce Sir James Cruig and Air Arthur Griffith to meet, not as official representatives of North and South, but as man to man. In the present temper* th© opposing factions this is doubtless a heroic undertaking. Obviously the onlv way to peace will be found in the Coalitionists starting a great oratorical campaign, preparing for the eventuality of an early election. 9 NO COERCION. MR CHAMBERLAIN AND ULSTER. LONDON, November 14. Air Chamberlain, replying to Air Ronald M’Neill’s criticisms of the Cabinet’s negotiations, writes : “ Like all my Unionist colleagues 1 repeatedly have said that I would not be a party to the coercion of Ulster. By that pledge we stand. Mr Lloyd George is similarly plodged. Neither he nor we will depart from that position. But these promises contain nothing that should deter us from seeling peace by agreement between the conflicting parties in Ireland, and Britain. Peace is our greatest need. 1,750,000 people are workless, trade is stagnant, confidence is lacking. On the result of the present negotiations depend the issues of pcaoo or war in these islands, and perhaps the future peace of tho world. 1 would regard myself as unworthy of the leadership of the Unionists in the House of Commons if I did nob use my utmost efforts to secure a just and honourable settlement in such circumstances: If peace is to he secured all parties to this ancient, bitter controversy muse show some measure of goodwill, and be prepared to mako concessions to the feelings of others. Britain is ready to do her share. The Government has plainly told the representatives of South Ireland that they must do theirs. Is it to be imputed as a crime that I and mv colleagues invited Ulster to confer in the same spirit and contribute her .dhar-e towards an amicable settlement ?” “ After recalling Cabinet’s considered invitation to the Irish Convention in February, 1918, to seek an agreement based on a singly legislature for united Ireland, Mr Chamberlain claims that neither Mr M’Neill, Sir Edward Carson, nor the Ulster members then protested, adding: ” This is all we are asking now. If Ulster refuse we shall not attempt to coerce her. We will abide by our pledged word. She is mistress of herr fate, but upon her decision, and still more upon the spirit in which she approaches grave issues, may depend not only the fata of Ulster, but the future history of our country and Empire.” Pointing out that any settlement will be fully discussed in Parliament and the country Mr Chamberlain asks Unionists to suspend judgment until the terms nre published. Sir James Craig has issued a statement traversing Mr Chamberlain’s leter to Mr M.’Neill. He soys, in reference to Mr Chamberlain's assertion that Sir Edward Carson, Mr M’Neill, or other Ulster members did not protest against the Irish Convention in 1918, that th© statement is made under a complete misapprehension. The facts w'ere that immediately on hearing that representation might be made to th© convention Sir Edward Carson, who was a member of the Government., resigned.