HC Deb 22 June 1917 vol 94 cc2122-3
27. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that no person has a right to attend the proposed Convention in Ireland, will he say who confers that right?

Sir G. CAVE

His Majesty's Government.

Mr. GINNELL

Then it is not the Irish people?

28. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Prime Minister whether, to test constitutionally what the Irish people think of the pro posed Convention, the Government will allow any member of it, or any person invited by them to become a member of it, to become a candidate for the representation of East Clare, now vacant, and let the calling or abandonment of the Convention be determined by the result?

Sir G. CAVE

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. GINNELL

This question is addressed to the Prime Minister. Is the Government aware now of what the people of Ireland mean by a constitutional test of the forthcoming Convention, and are they prepared to take up this challenge?

29. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have observed that the arguments already being used by both sets of belligerent Powers against carrying out their common promises to re-establish the independence of small nations are absence of natural territorial delimitation and want of free access to the sea, neither of which objections exist in the case of Ireland; and whether, in order to create the favourable atmosphere essential to the success of a Convention chosen by the Government, he has considered the comparative merits of first proclaiming Ireland's independence or awaiting the compulsion of events?

Sir G. CAVE

The answer is in the negative.