THE EXPULSION POLICY FOR IRELAND.
[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Your policy of expelling Southern Ireland from the Empire has great attractions, but one is troubled by doubts as to whether the policy and its probable results have been suffi- ciently thought out. One likely result would be a series of armed raids across the frontier. Judging by recent history, these raids would be cunningly planned, they would be carried out often with impunity, and would generally involve serious loss of life and property. Their principal object might be the capture of hostages, to be held to ransom and subsequently murdered. How is it proposed to deal with such a situation, supposing it to arise? Would you establish a kind V Hindenburg Line of entrenched fortifications to be perma- r eatly occupied by an army on passive service, or institute panitive expeditions on Indian Frontier lines? If the expulsion policy could be regarded as a permanent solution it might be generally approved, but as a prelude to the conquest of Ireland, v.hich might eventually become necessary, the withdrawal of the military and police from Southern Ireland would not be wise. It might even he regarded in certain quarters as pro- Tiding a favourable opportunity for the conquest of Ulster.-
Burnsall, 149 Barlow Moor Road, West Didsbury.
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