26 NOVEMBER 1921, Page 12

(To THE EDITOR Or THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR,—A short time

ago'it appeared to be recognized that there were two Irelands. I am under the impression that the Prime Minister himself stated this in a recent speech, but now there is a plea for an " All Ireland " principle. It cannot be repeated too often that there are two Irelands, differing as oil and water, in ideals, methods, and religion. Sinn Fein Ireland hat done an infinite amount to alienate and cause distrust in Ulster by boycotting and outrages within Ulster, as well as by innumerable atrocities within their own area. In spite of this, Ulster is urged to co-operate in a scheme of government with Sinn Fein, with whom they have no kind of sympathy or common ideals. The Observer of November 13th commented on the unreasonableness of " the Covenanters of the six counties," who constitute only about two per cent. of the United Kingdom, holding a veto over the remaining 98 per cent. This seems to me most unfair. The trouble has not arisen with Ulster. men, who have shown their loyalty to the United Kingdom in every possible way, and who only ask to be left alone; but with the Sinn Fein element, who represent perhaps seven or eight per cent. of the electorate, and it is to coax these, who have demanded absolute separation, into a profession of loyalty that the Ulstermen are asked to surrender what they consider essential and vital to their well-being. I am no " Die-hard " or " Cry-hard." I to anxious that every possibility of peace should be explored. What I do plead for is that the position of Ulster should be fairly considered, and specially that, if negotiations break down, Ulstermen should not be blamed.—I