We trust, however, that even if it is considered desirable
to publish the AWard there will, by mutual agreement, be no attempt to enforce it. Much the best thing would be to regard it as an abstract opinion. • Abstract opinions often have great influence iii helping men to see what is possible and what is not possible. Northern Ireland with its depressed industries would have nothing to gain by a new conflict, - unnecessarily provoked. Indeed if the Northern Government definitely declared that they made no demands but were content to carry on quietly under the existing conditions, such a policy of dignity would bring them nothing but esteem, and perhaps some good will even in Ireland. The Free State is not itself in a position to avert the automatic application of the Award, having itself invoked it. Much less can it seriously ask the Imperial Government to remit the Irish contri- bution-go the National Debt—as- the price of the Free' State's abandonment of its own policy ! '
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