“ This is a great and critical occasion in the history of the Six Counties, but not for the Six Counties alone, for everything which interests them touches Ireland, and everything which touches Ireland finds an echo in the remotest parts of the Empire.
Few things are more earnestly desired throughout the English speaking world than a satisfactory solution of the age long Irish problems, which for generations embarrassed our forefathers, as they now weigh heavily upon us. ”

“ Most certainly there is no wish nearer My own heart than that every man of Irish birth, whatever be his creed and wherever be his home, should work in loyal co-operation with the free communities on which the British Empire is based. ”

“ The Secretary of State for War and the Chief Secretary for Ireland pressed strongly that the Admiralty should allow men-of-war to be utilised. The Cabinet were then informed that the Admiralty had been approached on the subject on December 10th, and had at once given the necessary instructions concerned to render every possible assistance. Several warships were now available. The Cabinet took note of the intention of the admiralty to render every possible assistance. ”