OFFER TO REBELS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 10 February 1923, Page 7

OFFER TO REBELS.

DEATH SENTENCES WITHHELD MEANTIME. BY CABLE—PRESS VSSOCIATION-^OPYaiGfIT LONDON, Feb. 9. The execution of all death sentences has been suspended in Ireland, pending the result of the appeal by Liam Deasy (who is supposed to share with Liam Lynch the supreme direction of the Irregulars) to the rebel chiefs to surrender immediately. Deasy is under sentence of death. Mr William Cosgrave (Irish Free State Premier) is visiting London on. a most' important mission in connection with the Irish situation. In view of Deasy's appeal, Mr Mulcahy has issued a proclamation offering a new amnesty to all persons armed against the Government who surrender with their arms on or before the 18th. Numerous rebels at Cork have already j surrendered with their arms. Six hun- i dred rebel prisoners at Limerick have) petitioned to be allowed to send four of their number to the rebel leaders with a similar appeal to that of Deasy. Liam Deasy, who is chief of staff of the rebel army, was arrested on January 18. when living under an assumed name. When identified he was sentenced to death, which was confirmed. Deasy then requested an interview with the Commander-in-Chief, saying it would be for the good of Ireland. Deasy was taken to Dublin and allowed to send a communication to his rebel associates, including De Valera, to the effect that Deasy had undertake.il to aid an immediate unconditional surrender of arms of men as required by General Mulcahy. Deasy 5s communication asked De Valera and the other rebel leaders to give similar undertakings. Meanwhile Deasy's execution is suspended and the execution of the other rebels is also delayed. The request was received on February 7 for a further suspension of the executions, and Mr Mulcah/ panted 48 hours.