THE IRISH PROBLEM

Waikato Times, Volume 88, Issue 13488, 19 May 1917, Page 5

THE IRISH PROBLEM

PARTITION BASIS REJECTED.

A CONVENTION FEASIBLE

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received May 18, 7.35 p.m. LONDON, May 18.

The Irish proposals have caused disappointment in Dublin. All sections of the Nationalists reject the partition basis, but the suggestion of an Irish Convention is regarded as feasible. A deputation of Catholics who have been in Dublin for some days state that if the partition proposals are countenanced they will start a campaign to defeat them. Mr Redmond presided at a meeting of Nationalists in London, which decided on certain action which was embodied in a letter to Mr Lloyd George, stating that the Nationalists were prepared to recommend a convention on the condition that it fully and fairly represented Irishmen of all creeds. UNIONISTS TO CONFER. (Reutcr's Telegrams.) Received May 18, 8.5 p.m. LONDON, May 18. The Ulster Unionists, replying to Mr Lloyd George, undertake to submit the settlement proposals to the Ulster Unionist Council's sympathetic consideration.

Mr O'Brien, in his reply to the Premier, expressed his unalterable opposition to partition, but accepted a conference, for which he and his lollowers have so* long contended.

THE LEADERS' REPLIES. Received May 18, 9.40 p.m. LONDON, May 18. Mr Redmond's reply to Mr Lloyd George's proposals says that there is no need to restate the grounds on which the Irish Party has decided not to negotiate with the Government. He adds: "I note what you say as to the impossibility of taking action reviving a violent political controversy during the crisis of the war and the Government's necessity for proposing a settlement substantially acceptable to both sides. I cannot accept this proposition which has not been applied to some other matters since the outbreak of the war. My colleagues have considered the two alternatives, and are of the opinion that the first will find no support in Ireland. They are irreconcilably opposed to the scheme, and any measure based thereon will meet with their vigorous opposition. The proposed convention has much to recommend it, and I trust it may bo found possible of realisation. My colleagues will place no obstacle in the way and are prepared to earnestly recommend i! to their countrymen. A condition must be that the convention is representative of Irishmen of all creeds, interests and parties, and it must be summoned without delay. If this is done I assure you that my colleagues and myself will spare no effort to realise a high and blessed ideal."

Sir John Lonsdale, replying- on behalf of the Ulsterites, states: "We are opposed strongly to ever entertain a Homo Rule policy, hut are willing to consider the exigencies of the present situation. I and my colleagues have not the power to accept the proposals, but will submit them to the lister Unionist Council, with a recommendation that a decision should be reached for promoting pence and security of the United Kingdom."