5 FEBRUARY 1921, Page 2

The Times on Wednesday published an answer from Mr. D.

F. Malone, one of the American speakers. Mr. Malone said that as lie had not criticized " even by implication " there was no obligation on. him to provide a policy for Ireland. But he went on to say :— " As an American, I have no confidence that any American Administration, under the leadership of our present-day politicians, would succeed in providing an honourable and lasting solution of the Irish situation, The Prussian methods of American civil and military officials in meeting the legitimate demands of the steel-workers in Pennsylvania, and in recog- nizing the rights af the natives of the island of Hayti, are nob assurances of any superiority in American administration. These admitted defects of American administration should, however, not preclude a free and frank discussion of such measures as may bring about a settlement of the Irish question, at one. honourable and acceptable to the people of Ireland and of England and gratifying to the people of the United States."

Although this exchange of civilities has not taken us much further, we are very glad that it has occurred. Nothing but enlightenment can come from more discussion. The truth is that the majority of reasonable Americans who sympathize with Sian Fein are quite unaware that the Irish have been offered. over and over again exactly what those American critics say we ought to grant.