In the House of Commons on Monday Mr. J. H.
Thomas was once more closely questioned about the Irish boundary. He stated that in response to the request of the Free State that the Boundary Commission should be constituted, the Government had requested Northern Ireland to appoint a Commissioner. The Free State had already appointed Mr. John McNeill. Steps were being taken to appoint " a qualified person as Chairman." Sir William Davison asked whether the Government adhered to what had been laid down by three previous Governments, that in no circumstances would territory be taken from Ulster unless Ulster consented. Mr. Thomas repeated, for we suppose the twentieth time, that the Government would " give effect to Article 12 of the Treaty." When Lord Curzon inquired whether Mr. Thomas agreed with the interpretation of this clause which had been set forth by Mr. Lloyd George when the Treaty was going through the House, Mr. Thomas replied : " It is not our duty to interpret the clause, but to give effect to it." It is a delightful notion that effect can be given to a clause without interpreting it—although it is just about the interpretation that there are so many opinions. Anyhow, does not all this confirm our inter- pretation of Mr. Thomas's policy, which is the very safe and sensible one of formally acknowledging the authority of the Treaty and doing his very best to bring about an agreement by consent ?
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