London—(By A. P.)—The Irish situation is declared in responsible quarters tonight to be virtually deadlocked between Premier Lloyd George and the premier, and the latter has been given an opportunity to go to Belfast to see if anything can be done in the circumstances. De Valera Calls on Lloyd George.

Eamonn De Valera, in response to an invitation by Lloyd George, called at the premier's official residence this afternoon to confer with the premier on the Irish problem.

Smuts Reappears as Factor in Irish Case.

LONDON—(By A. P.)—General Jan C. Smuts, South African premier, declared today, in an interview with the premier, that the premier would not discuss the Irish problem.

General Jan C. Smuts, the lord lieutenant of Ireland, called and had a long talk with the premier, during which they were joined by Smuts, the conference continuing more than an hour.

At the end of the conference, Lloyd George called cabinet members to meet him in the house of commons this morning and stated that Sir James Craig, the lord premier, had been invited to come to Downing Street early this evening.

The conference continued. 