Promptness was essential.
Secondly, Government must take the initiative themselves; they must not seek to evade their responsibility by putting the blame on other shoulders (this was his rejoinder to the allegation of paralysing distrust); there was no use in resuming negotiations, going to this man and to that man to see what he would be willing to take.

Thirdly, the problem must be approached by a different method; it must be dealt with on lines of a united Ireland.

The time had gone by, in effect, for any proposals of partition, temporary or permanent.
He added a caution that there must be no attempt to mix up the problem of an Irish settlement with conditions about recruiting or conscription.
"That question must be left to a change of heart in Ireland." In conclusion he expressed to the House of Commons--though in no sanguine accents--what he had expressed to me a fortnight earlier in private talk: his belief that the time was "ripe for drastic, decided and bold action" by the Prime Minister.

Powerful influences were at Mr.Lloyd George's back--in the Press of all parties, in the opinion of leading men of all parties.

Three-quarters of the House of Commons, Redmond said, would welcome such action: the whole of the overseas Dominions would be for it; and it would have "the sympathy of all men of good will in the Empire." For the first time I noticed lack of cordiality in the response of the House--not from want of agreement, but from a profound depression.