§ 32. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Prime Minister whether he has yet decided to receive the deputation appointed to convey to him the resolutions passed by the Irish peace conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Lloyd George)I can add nothing to the answer which I gave on Thursday last to a question by my Noble Friend.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a growing desire in this country to explore every avenue of peace, and that there is a growing uneasiness in this country at the continuance of the policy of lawless violence?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think there is great resentment against lawless violence, and we are doing our very best to repress it. The desire in this country to explore every avenue of peace is shared by His Majesty's Government. I can assure the Noble Lord we are exploring every avenue.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs it not more probable that crime will be repressed in Ireland by a policy of conciliation and co-operation with the Irish people rather than by a policy of terrorism?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis is a question which was thrashed out at very great length last night, and I do not want to pursue it, but of this I have always been convinced, that no policy of conciliation is possible in Ireland until the reign of terror has been broken, for the very obvious reason that men in Ireland who are prepared, I think, to enter into negotiations at the present moment, are in terror of their lives and cannot do so freely.
§ Mr. RONALD McNEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the so-called "Irish peace conference" represents no body of opinion in Ireland at all?