Parliament was opened by the King in person on Tuesday.
The Speech from the Throne alluded to the King's forth- coming visit to France, the settlement of Albania and the Islands, the progress of negotiations with Germany and Turkey "as regards matters of importance to the commercial and industrial interests of this country in Mesopotamia," and the prospects of an amicable arrangement with Turkey of outstanding differences in the Persian Gulf. Turning to home politics, the Speech expressed regret that the efforts which had been made to arrive at a solution by agreement of the problems connected with the government of Ireland had so far not succeeded, and continued in words the gravity of which cannot be overlooked : "In a matter in which the hopes and the fears of to many of my subjects are keenly con- cerned, and which, unless handled now with foresight, judg- ment, and in the spirit of mutual concession, threatens grave future difficulties, it is my most earnest wish that the goodwill and co-operation of men of all parties and creeds may heal dissension and lay the foundations of a lasting settlement." The wording of this appeal, so far removed from the common form of ordinary King's Speeches, and the emphasis with which it was delivered, created a profound impression. Among the measures forming the Government programme prominence is given to proposals for reconstituting the Second Chamber. Other Bills to be brought forward deal with industrial and agricultural housing, education, and the treatment of young .offenders.
