that will not involve civil war, or abandoning the island to chaos and our enemies. Short of that, we are willing to adopt any kind of national government in which Ireland as a whole can be got to live and work in peace.
The restoration of peace and order in Ireland is now a matter for Irishmen to settle amongst themselves. It is an Irish problem to solve—not a British non possumus at all. It is untrue and unfair for foreign critics and Irish eloquence to accuse Britain of refusing Irish demands. We are only anxious to know what Ireland wants. Who speaks for Ireland? What does Ireland demand? It is farcical for Valera and his crowd to shout, "We are Ireland!" The good sense of Britons recognises that Ireland is one—must be one—can only live as one nation. Now there are at least three elements in Ireland, each claiming that they will not submit to be controlled by either of the others: Nationalists, Sinn Feiners, Ulster. However much these three may differ in numbers and in local grouping, they are not so widely unequal in wealth, organisation, and effective resources. There are these three, but all are sub-divided and there are several minor parties and interests. It is agreed by all that the Empire shall not force any one of these Irish elements to submit itself to any other. All we ask is—Where is the real Ireland? What does the real Ireland require for its prosperity and peace?
Until the real Ireland shows itself as an integral nation, and can put its national aspirations into definite and practicable form, it is a malicious sophism to cry, Why does not the British Government find a settlement? What settlement do these critics propose? What settlement has even a chance of producing agreement? The case is this. The various races, interests, religions in Ireland obstinately, violently, and with passion refuse to coalesce in any settled constitution. It is agreed that the force of the Empire shall not be used to make them coalesce. To charge us with refusing to satisfy Irishmen is calling upon British statesmen to square the circle, to make the camel pass through the eye of the needle.
