19 MAY 1917, Page 2

Thursday's papers contain the text of a letter addressed by

the Primo Minister to Mr. Redmond, giving the Government's general proposals for an Irish settlement. A copy was also sent to. the acting leader of the Ulster Unionists. The Prime Minister begins by laying down that any settlement of the Irish question which the Government could propose during the war must be one which would be accepted by both sides. They therefore propose to introduce a Bill for the application of the Home. Rule Act to Ireland, but excluding therefrom the six counties of North-East Ulster, such exclusion to be subject to reconsideration by Parlia- ment at the end of five years, unless previously terminated by the action of the Council of Ireland which it is proposed to set up.