§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY had given Notice to call attention to the situation in Ireland; and to move for Papers. The noble Marquess said: My Lords, as I ventured to say to your Lordships just now, I do not propose to proceed with the Motion which stands in my name on the Paper to-night, but to postpone it till tomorrow. In postponing the matter, however, I might say that although, in view of what has been stated, it would be to the general convenience that the discussion should not take place to-day, yet the situation in Ireland is so critical that it seems to me important that the position in which many of us stand should be stated quite clearly.
§ In the first place, attacks by Republican organisations upon Ulster cannot be tolerated. The Treaty ought to be maintained 880 in the letter and in the spirit on both sides, and it is unnecessary to say that the status of a Republic, either actual or virtual, for any part of Ireland, must be absolutely resisted. We are deeply concerned for the safety of Southern loyalists, but even in this respect we do not think a policy of surrender would be of any avail. If His Majesty's Government feel it their duty to advise His Majesty to take any measures necessary to vindicate the foregoing principles, we are prepared to give them our fullest support. My Lords, in making that statement I speak in the name of a great many other noble Lords.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORI can assure the House that the Government is indebted to the noble Marquess for having stated the conclusions which he and his friends have reached. From the overwhelming number of them as stated, neither to-day nor to-morrow shall I have to dissent at all. As to their detailed application, when I have had the pleasure of hearing the noble Marquess elaborate his thesis to-morrow, I shall be in a position more clearly to state how far the Government are in agreement.