§ 54. Mr. DEVLINasked whether an Imperial Conference is to be held at the close of the War; and whether among the subjects to be considered at it will be the permanent settlement of the Irish question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir; this I understand to have been a matter in regard to which both parties to the arrangement made in Ireland were in agreement.
§ Sir E. CARSONMay I ask whether the Conference will be purely voluntary, and that no one will be coerced into any particular decision?
§ The PRIME MINISTERindicated assent.
Mr. O'BRIENHaving referred this to an Imperial Conference, why decide beforehand the principal question in dispute?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe are dealing with a situation which is urgent.