REPUBLICANS V. FREE STATE.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17433, 19 April 1922, Page 7

REPUBLICANS V. FREE STATE.

MR MICHAEL COLLINS ATTACKED

MIDNIGHT APFEAY IN DUBLIN.

(By CiMb-Pmm AwooJation-CcpyrurLt.) (Australian, and rf.z. c*ble Aviation.) LONDOX, Aoril 17. Mr Michael Collins and a partv. occupying four motor-cars, -were returnin;; at midnight from a. meeting when they were stopped in Parnell "square. About twenty.men rushed out from a neighbouring house in the square, which the rebels occupied as offices, and rushed towards the care, opening fire. Mr Collins, who was walking across the square, fired on the attackors from the rear. One man fired at Mr Collins .several times at close quarters without hitting him. Mr Collins chased and captured the man, who raid he was acting under orders, but he was astonished when Mr Collins revealed His identity. .Mr Collins believes the attackers were ordered to kidnap, but not to kill' him. The general commanding the rebei forces, in possession of the Law Courts denies the plot to kidnap. He states that Mr Collins and his party drew up outside the rebel offices and opened fire first

REBEL ACTIVITIES.

MILITARY PREPARATIONS IN DUBLIN.

(Received April 18th,' 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 7. The attempted assassination of Mr Michael Collins originated with. O'Connor's party, who are more extreme tJhan the de Valeraitcs* from whom they have broken off and become a law unto themselves. The incident has onused consternation among Mr de Valera's supporters, who fear it will divert support from Mr de Vetera. Meanwhile, the rival factions of the 1.1t.A. are converting Dublin into a battlefield by sniping, machine-gunning, and patrolling in Armoured cars. The rebels determinedly, but unsuccessfully, attacked Beggars Bush Barracks, the official and . impregnable I.R.A, stronghold. The attackers surrounded the barracks and opened fire on it from all sides. Free State troops, mounted in arnurared cars, counter-at-tacked the rebels, who were dispersed. Afterwards they attacked the transport sections, and were again repulsed. Indications are believed to point to a rebel plan to seize all the strategical points in Dublin, preparatory to a revolutionary campaign throughout * nel country. The plans, are even believed to include the seizure of Dublin Castle, which is! still in British occupation. Rebels are pouring into the Four Courts from all parts of Dublin County.

ARMED ROBBERIES IN" BELFAST.

.;;'<,■• ~'.. . LONDON, April 17. Twenty-six ~< armed •', robberies from small shbps occurred in Belfast during the week-end.