The Irish standard., 1919-08-02
GENERAL SHUTS WARNING TO BRITAIN
AND TO THE WORLD.

On the eve of his departure for South Africa, Sen
eral Jan Christian SHUTS, who was one of Britain's
most conspicuous representatives at the Peace Con-
ference, in an address at London told his audience
some blunt and unpalatable truths in relations to
the Irish question 1t will be recalled that the for
1ner Boer statesman is credited with the framing Of
the essential features of the League of Nations pact
and that in its final form that instrument is mainly
his handiwork and the interests of the British
Empire are so thoroughly and cunningly safeguard
ed therein that Englishmen are entirely satisfied
with its provisions and policies It will not be de-
MED that General SHUTS has demonstrated com
prehensve and far-reaching knowledge Of the prin-
cples of statecraft in an assemblage of experts on
world politics. What a sense of shock then did it
give his English audience when they heard from
the lips of this veteran statesman this diagnosis of
the Irish question:
1T has become a chronic wound whose septic
effects are spreading to our whole system and
through its influence on America is beginning to
poison OUR most vital foreign relations. Unless it
is settled on the great principles which form the
basis Of this empire, this empire must cease to
exist. s. "
"Our statesmen in Paris dealt with racial prob
lens resembling Ireland's and in every way as diff
cult as the Irish problem and they may not shrink
from applying to Ireland the same medicine they
applied to Bohemia and many another part of
Europe"
The admonition Of General SHUTS is. opportune,
and it should be needed not only in Great Britain
but also throughout the world, if permanent and
satisfactory peace is to be attained. The world
physicians who have prescribed for their patient in
disregard of the Irish wound are either incompe-
tent or neglectful in their duties.
1t is analogous to the case of skillful surgeon
who, having performed a major operation on the
human body, carelessy leaves sponge or piece7oi
gauze in the wound and thereby creates source oil
further infection in it which IS likely to- undo 81
more than undo all the potential benefits of his
surgical skill The organs of the body are so closely
related in their functions that such infection is apt
to spread through the system and make its appear.
ance in places remote from the original source. Sc
it is with regard to conditions at the present day ii
the world body polite, with its swift and sure means
of interc communication and the delicate and sens
tive structures of political, economic and CONNER
lcial relationships More than ever before has the
!! adage become cogent and meaningful. .'Tht
j injury Of one is the concern of all' A pogron ii
the remotest Districts of Russia or an outrage il
i Armenia may become the center of storm tha
embraces the whole world leaven of evil that per
meates the masses of humanity.
II The wound of Ireland is,now visible to the who'll
world in all its uglness and danger Would it no
be stupid and neglectful to ignore it, and leave
to develop along the lines Of potential disaster
II Would it not be the more intelligent and prophy
Tactic course to investigate it study its causes ant
probable tendencies, and render such treatment
is obviously demanded by the situation "A specif
for its permanent cure is at hand. It is selfdeter
minaton OF sovereignty and political affiliations 81