TRUCE CONTROVERSY

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5665, 20 December 1920, Page 5

TRUCE CONTROVERSY

FATHER FLANAGAN STATES: CONDITIONS. /

DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS WITH DE VALERA.

PREMIER’S REPLY

NO SETTLEMENT AS LONG AS REPUBLIC DEMANDED.

(United Press Assooiation— Oopyright.) (Received Bee 19, 11 p.m.) LONDON, Bee. 18. Father Flanaghari telegraphed to Air Lloyd George:—• While sending a message of peace and goodwill to Ireland the Government has intensified the fiendish attacks on our lives, liberties, and property. How hollow your fair words read' in the newspapers sandwiched between the burning of Cork, the murder of Canon Magner and Crowley. If you. really wish i peace allow the constitution adopted by tlie Irish people at the last general election to perform its legitimate functions, and acts of. violence will, soon Become as rare m Ireland as in any of the most peaceful nations of the world. Then arrange the terms of treaty by direct negotiations with the head of the Irish nation President Be Valera. This is the only possible road to reconciliation, which is vital to the interests of both nations. Mr Lloyd George replied as follows : I had hoped that with moderation and common sense on both sides it- would have been possible to reach an understanding which would stop strife in Ireland and pave the way to reconciliation. You now imply that in your judgment the only road to reconciliation is the recognition of a republic and the negotiation of a treaty with someone you designate as the official head and president. I never failed to make it- clear that there is no- possible settlement as long as Sinn Fein demands a republic, and that though I am willing to explore every avenue towards an honorable constitutional settlement there is po road to peace as long as Sinn Fein- persists in trying .to compel any settlement by moans of assassination and violence. The only way to peace is that the Sinn Fein leaders should recognise these fundamental facts. Tlieir present policy is only leading Ireland ever nearer chaos' and ruin. I deeply regret you should close the door on the counsels of good will, which, you invoked at the beginning of this correspondence.—A. and N. C.A.

DEATH PENALTY FOR REPRISALS. SIR NEVIL MACREADY’S ORDERS. REINFORCEMENTS LAND AT CORK. SECESSION FROM DUAL EIREANN. (Received Dec 19, 11 p.m./ LONDON, Dec. IS. •Sir Novil Mac-ready in li’is Order of Instruction to the troops in their new duties under martial law warns them that any reprisals on thenpart will be punishable by death, likewise offences against persons or property, and breaking into houses and other buildings for the purpose of plunder. Reinforcements consisting of the Field Artillery, the Scottish Borderers, and the Yorkshire Light Infantry have landed at Cork. Several local bodies in Nationalist parts of Ulster have renounced allegiance to the Dail Eireann, and acknowledged the Local Government Board. The Sligo Corporation has also surrendered. A man in possession of. live bombs was arrested in the Central Hotel, Dublin, now used as an officers’ hostel.—A. and N.Z.C.A.

ANOTHER POLICE OFFICER KILLED. COLD BLOODED MURDER OF INSPECTOR SULLIVAN. . IMPORTANT SINN FEIN SHELTER DISCOVERED. (Received Dec. 19, 5-5 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 18 District Inspector Sullivan was killed in Dublin while walking in civilian attire with his fiancee, Miss Moore. Two youths came up and said “Hullo, arc you ready?” and fired a revolver in Sullivan’s eye. The girl with great courage grappled one murdered and prevented him using a revolver. The other fired again. The thoroughfare was crowded. The murderers escaped.—A. and N.Z.C.A. The military raided the Capuchin monastry, Dublin, and made a minute search. Dominic, McSwiney’s chaplin, was arrested.—A. and N.Z. O.A.

LONDON, Dec. 16. The police discovered the shelter of wanted Sinn Feiners in the mountains betwe en Glogher and Monahan. It contained large quantities of steel helmets. and military equipment. Seven arrests were made.

A correspondent at Cork states film, t the great stumbling block .to the military inquiry which is open mg on Saturday is the difficulty ,of getting civilian witnesses to come forward, owing to intimidation and ' suspicion. Ireland is a kind of whispering v gallery, and Cork one of its most secret corners. It is a city with -fingers to the lips. The people among 'themselves tell moving stories, hut thej'r confidence' is immediately broken at the approach of a stronger. — Tillies. ‘

DESPERATE FIGHT- AT BARRALKSC

.MILITARY LORRIES' 'AMBUoiftED

(Received Dec.- 19, 11.p.m.) LONDON, Dec. IS.

,On(C'hundred Sinn Feiners am-, pushed; a lorry load of . police and military ’near Eimistymop. Four soldiers- 1 and* two-' policemen were woiiiidedVV-Two'‘.civilians 'were captured. Traces of. bipod indicate casualties amongst ■ the attackers, A''party of ra.iders drove up in motor ears and attacked •'.the. Foulkesmill - barracks on thryq; -sides. ,* After a fierce, half-hour’s' fight they were driven off, abandoning. a. quantity of bombs and arms. / ’ ‘ ' Constable Shannon was fatally shot at Swanlinbar, and Sergeant Morahan was wounded. Two military lorries were ambushed at Mitchelstown. ‘ Two soldiers were killed and two wounded.—A. and N.Z, C:A: • -

THE MURDER OF CANON

MAGNAR

WORK OF INSANE CADET

(Received Dec. 19, H p.m.) . LONDON, -Dec 18. The evidence given by the r auxiliary police at the military inquiry at Dunmamvy into , the shooting of Canon Magnnr revealed that the ca-. dot, named Hartc. was bordering on dolirum tremens. Hartc. after shooting Crowley approached Canon Mag-; par, seized the priest’s hat, threw, it on the' grouiid, made the priest kneel on 'The.-iroad, affd fired 1 ' at him, ' • wounding him. Then Harte fired : again, this time -fatally; 4.. Harte searched .th 6 ..priest’fi pockets, - sent-, ' ferine the'Contents: on the ground.—- . Am&iid- N.Z.C.A: , - '