HANDED OVER

Evening Post, Volume CIII, Issue 13, 17 January 1922, Page 8

HANDED OVER

CONTROL OF DUBLIN CASTLE

A HISTORIC CEREMONY

SPEEDY WITHDRAWAL OF

TROOPS

(UXITI* PRIM AIIOCIATIOX.—COMKUHr.>

(KIUIIR'S TILIOIUH.) (Received January 17, 2 p.m.)

LONDON. 16th January. The departments at Dublin Castle were formally handed over to the Provisional Government by Lord Fitzalan, on behalf of the King, in the Privy Council to-day. Excited crowds, of thousands, who assembled to witness" the outward signs of what Was termed "the fall of the Castle," beguiled the tedium of waiting for the arrival of Ministers by watching the soldiers mounting guard for the last time. They burst into frantic cheers when the Ministers drove up in cars and entered the Castle, led by Mr. Michael Collins.

The historic scene within began when Mr. Collins, handed-to Lord Fitzalan a copy of the Treaty bearing the signatures of himself and his colleagues. •Lord Fitzalan informed the Irish representatives tfiat they were duly install-' ed, and wished them every success. He earnestly hoped the ideal of a happy, free, and prosperous Ireland would be attained under their auspices..

There ywere animated scenes ■ about Dublin Castle and in the adjoining streets during the ceremony. The members of the Provisional Goternment, together with the Lord Lientenant (Lord Talbot) and the heads of Government Departments, met at the Mansion House in the afternoon, The proceedings lasted for an hour.

After the departure of the permanent officials, Mr. Collins and the others Ministers left the chamber and drove off, cheered by 'the crowds. The Lord Lieutenant also had an ovation.

The authorities are hastening the removal of the troops. It is officially announced that ten infantry battalions are leaving immediately, and will be followed by others as rapidly as possible.