4 MAY 1918, Page 10

MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S PLEDGE.

[To THE EDITCR or THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR,—We have lost what has hitherto been a priceless asset : faith in the solemn promise of a British Minister given openly in the House of Commons. Home Rule for Ireland may be a wise measure or may not be. The fact is that a distinct undertaking was given that the measure should be suspended during the war.

That undertaking has been violated. Hitherto, in common with most Englishmen, I have been an optimist, and have tried to have faith in our rulers. That faith has now gone. The paltry excuse of the Prime Minister that no one believed that the war would last for four years only shows his utter ignorance of what was happening outside this island. We have jeered at the "scrap of paper." We can do so no longer. The violation by Germany of her treaty with Belgium and the violation of the promise to suspend Home Rule are in the same category. The " yea, yea,"• "nay, nay," of the British Envoy has gone.—I am, Sir, &c.,

Ash Corner, Whitchurch, Salop. W. A. CLARKE.