LATE NEWS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 146, 18 December 1933, Page 10

LATE NEWS

THE IRISH SENSATION

CORDON RUSHED

POLICE COUNTER-ATTACK

United Press Association—By Electric Tele, eraph—Copyright. (Received December IS, 1 p.m.) DUBLIN, December 17. Details of General o'Duffy's arrest show that, with strong reinforcements within easy call, steelhelmeted gas-masked soldiers patrolled AVestport in lorries,' The meeting pro-' grossed quietly, until a cavalcade of-a hundred men heralded the approach of General 0 'Duffy, whom the police had stopped a mile outside "the town. General o'Duffy, with supporters on horseback, entered Westport by another road. A police cordon again stoppei him, declaring that he must not speak wearing such a grab. Ho did not resist, but cheering supporters heaved him shoulder-high, charged the pqliee (despite their batons) and rushed him to the platform, knocking down men and women en Toute. General "o'Duffy, amid yells and counter-yells, seized a brief opportunity and shouted: "People of' Ireland, bo calm! Our cause will go on though I am imprisoned. AVe> shall .win." Meanwhile the police fought tlieir way through the crowd and stormed the platform. General O'Duffy was surrounded by a hundred police and soldiers, and was taken to the police barracks. A rearguard repelled his would-be rescuers. A strong guard encircled the barracks. The superintendent of police . was unable to state what charge he was preferring against General o'Duffy, who is strongly supported locally. Messrs Fitzgerald, Kenny,,and others attempted to continue the meeting amid uproarious free fights and stampeding horses. The police acted with self-restraint, and no shots were fired. Republicans were scarce. The arrests included John Cintrey, John Kileoync (the first Blueshirt gaoled, who was making his first, appearance since his release), and Captain O'Sullivan. O'Sullivan is an-ex-associate of Michael Collins, and followed Kileoync's example by defiantly doffing his overcoat and displaying his blue shirt, when speaking prior to General o'Duffy's arrival. (Received December 18, 11 a.m.) LONDON, December 17. General o'Duffy's arrest, made-under the Public Safety Act, has caused a sensation in political circles in Dublin, who expect that he will bo removed to Arbour Hill barracks, where Cronin. awaits trial-on December. 21. General O'Duffy may spend Christmas in custody, as only two clear, days are left for'the Military Tribunal to sit before Deeembgr 25. . _ . • ■ Newspaper attempts to interview Mr. de Valera or General O-'Duffy regarding the arrest are forbidden.