New-York tribune., 1921-12-14

LONDON, Dec. 13 (By The Associ-
ated Pressl.-The correspondence COM
nrises four letters sent by Mr.. Lloyd
George and three by Sir James Craig.
Mr. LLOYD Georges last letter covered
COPY of the Irish treaty. To this let
ter Sir James thus far has not replied.
On November 10 the Prime Minister
wrote to Sir James as follows:
"The time has arrived when a formal
eonsultaton between his majesity's
government and the government of
northern Ireland is necessary for the
further progress of the Irish negotia
tons. The settlement toward which
his majesty's ministers have been
working. and which they believe is not
unattainabe. is closely based upon pro-
posals made by his majesty's govern
ment July 90
The Prime Minister then enumerated
the main principles of such settle
ment. declaring that if Ireland should
give allegiance to the throne she would
take her place in 1.-The partnership of
free states comprised in the empire"
Other points mentioned were a pro-
vision for naval security, which the
Britain, and overseas communication.
rTae government of northern Ire
land," the letter continued, would re-
tan all the powers conferred upon her
by the government of Ireland act. The
unity OF Ireland would be recognized
by the establishment of an all-Ireland
parliament, upon which would devolve
the further powers necessary to form
self-governing Irish state"
Consultation Asked by Britain
Continuing, the letter said:
Northern Ireland will no doubt see
many dangers in settlement on these
lines. It may be objected, for instance,
that the patronage involved in the va
rious common departm such as
the postoffice, customs and excise,
might be unfairly exercised on relig-
lous or other grounds, or that, though
Ulster would retain control of it's edu-
cation and kindred subjects, the Irish
government would be in a position to
withhold the funds necessary to defray
the administrative cost.
Moreover, it might be feared that If
the All-Ireland Parliament were in con-
troll OF the import and export trade the
industries of Ulster would be, imper-
lied. His majesty's government recog-
desire to consider, in consultation with
yourself and your Cabinet, how they
can best be met. They invite your Cab
met to discuss with them the best
means for dealing with these and SINH
lar matters, in particular the appoint
ment Of officials within the area of
northern Ireland, in departments sub
lect to the Ali-lreland Parliament, the
collection Of revenue within the area
OF northern Ireland, measures for safe
guarding the exports and imports of
northern Ireland against the imposition
Oh discriminating duties and it's citi-
aens from invidious taxation.
Common Authority Essential
His majesty's ministers believe ar
sangements can be embodied in the
agreement now in view whereby these
oiEneu.ties can be met. The ques-
.on OF the area within the special
jurisdiction of the northern Parliament
We have reserved for discussion with
you: The creation Of an AlIreland
Parliament would clearly further the
amicable settlement of this problem.
his majestys government are fully
aware Of the objections which the peo-
PIE OF northern ireland may feel to
pdrticipatlon on any terms in an ALI
ireland Parliament. They, therefore
nave been examining some alternatives
shd their consequences. Their study
=. aaS convinced them that grave difficult
.ies would be raised for both parts of
neiand il jurisdiction over reserved
subjects was not conferred upon a com
mon authority.
In the first place, customs barriers
would have to be established between
northern and southern Ireland over the
Jagged line of the frontier. The in
convenience of this arrangement would
~ considerably enhanced by the fact
Jss there must of necessity be large
s::sssaents of the population on both
t:aes. whose sympathies will lie across
sae border. Natural channels of trade
Mssid be arbitrarily obstructed. The
saaeuity Of working out any such ar
sangement would be unceasing. the
.oss considerable and the vexation to
Haoers continuous.
Must Bear Imperial Burdens
d. IN the second place the finance of
s ,ao government of Ireland act would
ssssesSarily have to be recast. 1t is
~ as essence of dominion status that
;saslioutlon Of dominion toward the
ysrlai nagai charges is voluntary. If
t,.L ireland were a part OF the
sal,' sn state its contribution would be
a1natary like those of the dominions
i,sS IN the other hand, if southern Ire
s,ad became a dominion. while north
i;s;. ireland remained part of the
sssas, s,sso Kingdom, with the essential
ss.:lay v,Ary Of representation in the i'm
ssas, .at rarllam9pt, it is clear that the
i t1p.e oi northGrn Ireland would have
fbt sl ~ tnear proportional share Of all
SSs ''npeflai burdens, such as the army