, 1916-05-27

~'SANI ~ LA 40 l. hEOh1 LHFO CNRA OoiIN
or contemplated its coercive application by
one set of Irishmen against another. What
is now of paramount Importance in this
great and domestic emergency is that, if it
be possible and I hold it is possible, an agree
ment, such as we thought in vain before the
war, should be arrived at between those re-
presenting different interests and parties in
Ireland. I believe, as I have already said,
that in Ireland itself there is q deep and
genuine desire to obtain such al agreement.
The Government, l speak for all my col
leagues ana some of us, be it remembered, in
the past have taken the most diverse posi-
bic views il regard to the question of Irish
government, are anxious and more than
anxious to do everything in their power to
facilitate such results. At the unanimous re-
quest Of his colleagues. Mr.. Lloyd George
has undertaken to devote his time, his ener-
gy and his power to the promotion of that
result. II G already has put himself in commuui-
cation with the authorized representatives and
exponents of the views of the different Irish
parties, and if there be, as / believe there is,
among Trishmen, no less than among the
people Of Great Britain, an honest and resoi-
ute desire to take advantage of this oppor-
tunity for the attainment Of that which to
us as n nation and an Empire, I do not hest
tate to say, is the greatest boon that we
could possibly achieve, we cannot but hope
that Mr. Lloyd Georges mission Of peace,
reconciliation, and, if possible, unity will not
only carry with it the good wishes and ardent
hopes Of all members in every quarter Of the
House but something more, the belief that
such @ result can and ought to be attained"
In the circumstances Mr.. Asquith appealed
to III sections Of the House to abstain
from any immediate discussion of Irish
affairs which would be likely to prevent
d great and lasting settlement. The Premier
said the primary duty of the Government
was to restore order and prevent recurrent
Disturbances. At the same time there was
cause for rejoicing IN the overwhelming
evidence that the great bulk of the Irish
nation had no sympathy with the rebellion.
Martial law was being continued as a preca-
ution8ry measure, and Mr.. Asquith hoped it's
disappearance would speedily be complete, For
the time being the composition Of the Irish
Executive must be provisional. He felt that
debate at this moment might create an atmos-
phere u~LfayOurable to the appeal be and
his c0mmades unanimously felt it was their
dutg TO make. II went to ireland to get
q first hand view of the situation'' the
Premier went on. II visited and talked
freely with a large number of those
who have been arrested. There were
two main predominant impressions left
on my mind, first, the breakdown of the
Executive machinery Of the Irish Govern
ment, second, the strength,d depth and univer-
salty Of feeling in Ireland that we have
now a unique opportunity for a settlement
Of the problem. I saw with my own eyes
the heartIending desoIation which unhappy
and misguided men had wrought over a
large area near Dublin, and l had a full dis
cussion with representative expouents Of all
schools Of Irish opinion After the Premier
had concluded his speech, Mr.. Redmond
said that Mr.. ~Asquith's solemn appeal
that there should be silence even on
military affairs in Ireland, was a very
severe test for him and his colleagues.
He asserted things We're going on IN Ireland
which they thought in ordinary circumstan-
ces ought to be discussed at the earliest pos
- . Aa.-..L.l.-. - - !.