16 OCTOBER 1920, Page 2

The Westminster Casette of Friday week published a reply by

Lord Grey of Fallodon to criticisms of his Irish scheme. Lord Grey says that it is not pleasant to differ from Mr. Asquith, but that their private friendship will not be affected by a faithful examination of their differences. He disagrees with Mr. Asquith that it would be safe and practicable to give Ireland control of her naval and military affairs. Lord Grey argues that as the Irish ports dominate our communications with the greater part of the world, "the keys of those gates must be in London." Mr goes on to ask a definite question : "Can we let any submarine base be established in Ireland which is not under the control of the British Admiralty 1 I think not. If Mr. Asquith disagrees with me, then there is a difference of opinion between us. If he agrees, then the Naval powers that he would give to Ireland are only an paper the same as those eon. ceded to other Dominions."