IRELAND.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18329, 12 November 1921, Page 5

IRELAND.

SIR JAS. CRAIG OBDURATE. K FILL OTHERS'FOLLOW TO THE BREAK? A GLOOMY OUTLOOK. Received, Nov. 11, 8.15 p.m. LONDON, November 11 There is very profound disappointment in and out of Parliament that Mr Lloyd George is not able to make a more definite pronouncement as regards Ireland. Il was expected that some indication of the trend ol events would be disclosed before the prorogation. Unofficial attempts were made to induce Mr Lloyd George merely to adjourn, but he decided otherwise. Parliament wi’ not assembly before January 30tb unless an untoward happening occurs. Mr Lloyd George’s memorandum petting out the discussion and the proposed terms of settlement, which I was unanimously endorsed by Cabinet, has been handed over tc j Sir Jas. Craig, who is still obdurate. Other Ulster members of the Cabinet made statements to interviewers. on* 3 declaring that if the South proved loyal Ulster might consider the suggestion in a few years, but at present Ulster did not trust the South. The King’s speech and the optimism of Mr Lloyd George’s speech jroduced a cheerier effect, which was evidenced as the Commoners left the rlouse after the prorogation. It siu«t be remembered that the warmer atmosphere is not shared by Ulstermen, who remain grimly ale.rt. They may decide to take the documents home and consult their friends, or bluntly and immediately refuse to discus®: any proposition. TL*' third alternative is that Sir Jas. C*Jg may inform Mr Lloyd George that “Ulster has been no party to the London Conference,” the proceedings of which do not concern us. We axe prepared to enter a round table conference if the previous □roccedings are scrapped. This would be a decided step towards an improved situation.” Opinion continues to harden against Ulster’s adamancy. This is not likely to impress Sir Jas. Craig’s dour, granitelike personality, though people are beginning to ask if his colleagues are prepared to follow him to the ultimate final break by resisting good faith appeals for reconciliation. It is not likely any decision wsj De communicated for some days. In ffie meantime it is stated in informed circles that Mr Lloyd George has prepared a special appeal, which he will submit to Sir Jas. Craig and his colleagues at the first meeting. Th will ask them to at examine and discuss the proposals. Mr Lloyd George ai d Mr Bonar Law met recently. ' There was r. frank exchange of views, the result cf which is uakown Daily appeals from many quarters have been made to Mr Bonar Law to reveal his attitude.