Irish Bill

Lords and Commons assembled at Westminster to pass legislation that is to authorize the Government to appoint a delegate for Northern Ireland on the Irish Boundary Commission (TIME Aug. 11, Oct. 6).

Second Reading. The second reading (the first was before Parliament adjourned) of the Irish Boundary Commission Amending Bill was moved by Premier MacDonald. He said in his speech that "everything would be done" to bring about a compromise between the Free State and Northern Ireland before the bill became law. Meanwhile, he contended, the measure must be passed because Britain's honor was at stake. Then, paying a pretty compliment to the Conservatives, he asseverated :

"The fact that recently there has been no party decision on Irish affairs is an immense achievement, which has been mainly due to the Unionists; because, in the face of real difficulties, they have made it easy for the Government to follow the policy they initiated in the pacification of Ireland."

After speeches by ex-Premier George and ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer Austen Chamberlain, the bill passed its second reading by 291 to 124 votes.

Committee. The House went into committee; and the bill was read for a third time and carried by a vote of 251 to 99. The bill was sent to the Lords.

Lords. The House of Lords was expected to amend the bill and send it back to the Commons. This is to give the Conservatives a chance to vote for the amendments (which have no chance of being carried), thereby placing the responsibility for the bill entirely on the shoulders of the Government. The bill is then to be sent back to the House of Lords in its original form; but their lordships, satisfied that the onus of responsibility is not shared by Conservatives, will pass the bill, which will then become law after the Royal Assent has been obtained. That the Irish crisis will, however, be intensified by the passage of the Boundary Amendment Act was the opinion of competent observers.

Whatever the decision of the Boundary Commission may be, it will fail to please Northern Ireland, unless the Commission confirms the boundary as it is at present delimited. In the latter case, the Free State will probably revolt against the Government. However, the finding of the Commission is much more likely to be one that will please neither side. In this event, Northern Ireland will appeal to the Privy Council on the ground that the decision of the Commission was ultra vires. The issue will then be up to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, whose decision will be final, because it is the highest court of appeal in the realm.