THE PROTECTION OF SOUTHERN IRISH LOYALISTS. [To THE EDITOR or
viie " SPECTAT0a."]
SIR,—In your leading article of July 9th on the Irish question you say you " are prepared to give Ireland the fullest Dominion Government compatible with Britain's safety, and with plans which would prevent the Protestants and loyalists
of the South and West being exposed to ill-treatment such as that to which they have lately been exposed." Now, I trust that you will kindly use the great influence which the Spectator possesses to get some workable plans carried through for the protection of the loyalist minority in the South and West of Ireland. I am afraid it will be a very difficult matter to do so. The loyalist minority consists chiefly of small farmers in the country districts and of small shopkeepers in the towns. Under the new Government of Ireland (if it is established) the British Government will withdraw the soldiers, and the Courts and police will fall to Mr. De Valera's Government. Under these circumstances it is hard to see how protection can be afforded to isolated farmers, for instance, and ex-soldiers scattered all over the country. I only mention these things to show what a difficult problem it is. The English people, I am afraid, are altogether tired of Irish affairs, and I very much fear they will not be in the least inclined to pay more money for proteotion or compensation to Irish loyalists once the new Government is set up. However, I earnestly hope that you may be able to suggest some satisfactory plan, and that also you may be able to induce the Government to adopt it and embody it in any settlement that is mada—I am, Sir,
Longford House, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo. bLusay Cuomo:.
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