In making this statement Mr. Asquith carefully explained that the
parties to the negotiations over which Mr. Lloyd George presided were not plenipotentiaries. There had teen eerne misunder- standing as to when exactly the negotiations should benne nrie*r the review of the Cabinet. But in face of the supreme'impoetance of preserving the unity of the -Government in this ernes of our history, all the members of the Cabinet were now willing to share the responsibility of " recommending " the House to accept the proposals. The war was the one consideration which had brought about' agreement among the several sections of the Cabinet. The unionists of the South and West of Ireland had- been invited to make suggestions; but 'had not done so. {We may say here that Lord Mielleton has-since explained in the Times that Unionists in the Home Rule area-, though they have suggested precautions against German intrigue and public disturbance, are unwilling- to safe- guard. therneeh•es at the expense of national security.] In answer to Sir Edward Carson, Mr. Asquith said that the six counties will be " definitely " struck out-of the Act. They cannot be reincluded without. a till.
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