Irish Civil War

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 245, 29 September 1922, Page 5

Irish Civil War

REBELS STRONG IN KERRY. DAIL DICTATES TERMS OF PEAtM « ARMED TRUCE NOT WANTED. ißy Cable.—Press Associuiiou. -Couyrighi.} (Received 29. 6.45 a.m.) London, bepcember 2b. fhe "Daily telegraph s’’ Belfast correspondent states that the Free Slaters have been unable to achieve much in Kerry beyond the occupation oi some ol the more important towns. The population largely favours tlie Irregulars. Free Staters are pinned to the barracks and cannot leave safely in parties of fewer than 1(X). Even the barracks are continually harassed by snipers. Irregular columns, several hundreds strong, can move among the hills in full view and with complete impunity. Vessels reach the coast with arms and supplies ior the Irregulars, and peaceful trading ships are frequently attacked and robbed of their cargo. A shipload of petrol was unloaded at Trale(\ while a strong attack on Free Staters rendered them powerless (o intervene. It is estimated that 8000 Free Staters will be required to control the country. Irregulars number 3000. Free Staters scouring the country discovered several fine motor cars at Ball in ro lie, in Alay.i. They comprised the Republicans’ transport, and included a magnificent automobile stolen from Ixird Vpres. Irregular prisoners in Cork gaol hunger struck, then refused to return to the cells after parade. When force was used the prisoners wrecked the cells. Finally a volley was fired, killing one prisoner and wounding another. Order was then restored. Republicans outside added to the confusion by sniping the prison. Mr. Cosgrave, speaking in the Dail, laid down the terms on which the rebels, even at this late hour, may secure pdhee. The Government was prepared for pence, but not an armed truce. The rebels could have peace after surrender of all arms. Hr said this is the people’s Parliament, which can be generous, but must be just. The Government, at the same session. asked for powers to establish military courts empo.wored to inflict capital punishment in extreme cases of attacks on Government forces, incendiarism. looting, unauthorised possession of arms, ammunition, and certain kinds of explosives. Mr. Cosgrave’s motion was approved in principle. The details will ho considered later.—(A. and N.Z.)