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The Prime Minister went on to say that the settlement

" must allow for full recognition of the existing powers and privileges of the Parliament and Government of Northern Ireland, which cannot be abrogated except by their own consent." The Government hoped that union might come in Ireland, as in Canada, Australia, and South Africa, by free consent, and would accept any terms in this respect. " But in no condition can they consent to any proposals which would kindle civil war in Ireland." Irishmen must determine whether the new powers should be taken over by a single body for all Ireland or taken over separately by Southern and Northern Ireland, with or without a joint authority. The details could be arranged when the Irish people had accepted the principle.

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