Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19th., 1939. I.R.A. OUTRAGES

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 January 1939, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19th., 1939. I.R.A. OUTRAGES

JT is easy to believe that the Eire Cabinet is perturbed about, the bombing' outrages in England, for which members of the Irish Republican Army are believed to have been responsible. Mr. de Valera and his colleagues have to overcome similar attacks in Ireland. and they have, to-day, no sympathy with the extremists. Nor will the Irish people, as a whole, feel happy about the latest developments, which conic at a time when Anglo-Irish relations had taken a distinct turn for the better, with advantage to both nations, particularly to the Irish farmers.

The attempts to destroy public utility services in England were senseless, as whether they succeeded or failed —fortunately they failed to a large extent —no good could come to the cause the malcontents were upholding. English public opinion will harden against the Irish republicans, and the indignation aroused by bombings may hAve repercussions, commercially and politically. Tt is stated That the I.R.A. action was intended as protest against the continuance of English armed forces in Ireland, but there, is none now in Eire, the naval ports have boon evacuated, and much done to meet Irish aspirations, short of consenting 1o the establishment of a republic and the desertion of Ul-j sier. Many’ in England would he I glad if Um partition of Ireland could he overcome by mutual agreement between North and South, bill this is a matter for the Irish themselves. Until such agreement is reached. Britain has no alternative but to stand by Ulster. Public opinion Overseas for I lie most pari is similar.

(lood will come from the bombing incidents if these lead to

sterner measures against terrorists. in and out, of Ireland. Britain has also had it emphasised, bow comparatively easy it is Io destroy utilities that mean so

much to the people. If these outrages can occur in peace time, by a few undesirables, what would be possible in times of war, when enemy agents would be very daring and active? It may be taken for granted that the lesson will be learnt, and more precautions mad* 1 as part of the daily routine. Happily, there has been little loss of life, and not much damage to property, bid what might have been is not pleasant to reflect upon. The police soon made arrests, and the suspects will be' duly tried. Ulster is detaining similar suspects without trial, but this is not a policy that can be commended. It is impossible to prevent determined men from attempting outrages against the common welfare, but it may be taken for granted that the lot of such transgressors will be made more difficult in future.