MARTIAL LAW.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXII, Issue 1710, 13 December 1920, Page 5

MARTIAL LAW.

*0 BE DECLARED IX IRELAND. UNSPECIFIED SOUTHERN AREA. [By Electric Cable—Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, December 10. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Lloyd George said that, during the past three weeks, the Government had been in touch with various persojis regarding the situation In Ireland. There had been no negotiations but " certain people had offered their services. The Government had seen both sides, and, after a very careful survey, had decided upon a course. The Government was convinced that the majority of the people in Ireland of all sections were anxious for peace and a fair settlement, as was the Government; but he was regretfully convinced that the section which controlled the policy of murder and violence was not ready for peace on a basis of the unbroken unity of -the United Kingdom. He referred to the resolutions of the Galway County and urban councils as welcome signs of a new spirit, and also to Father Flanagan's statement; but Father Flanagan's action, he said, had been repudiated by the heads of the organisation responsible for the murders. These men, the Premier said, had not given any indication that they were prepared to surrender on the only terms this country could possibly accept. The Government was determined to do all in its power to break up these more or less organised terrorists. There were many difficulties in the way of stronger action, because most of the organised insurgent forces in the South had taken to the bills, from which they attacked and ambushed the police and intimidated the peasantry, who were tired of this terrorism. Some men wearing captured British uniforms had undoubtedly committed outrages for which the forces of the Crown had been unjustly blamed. To meet all these difficulties, the Government had decided to proclaim martial law in a certain area in Southern Ireland. He hoped the House would not press him at this stage to mention the exact area. All arms and uniforms in the area must be surrendered by a certain date to an officer of the Crown, the police, or the parish priest, after which all unauthorised persons with arms or in a British uniform could be treated as rebels, and liable to death on conviction.

Mr Lloyd George said he deeply regretted that this course was necessary, but the conditions made it absolutely essential. The Government could not recognise the JDail Eireann as a body, but as individuals the Government proposed that constitutionally elected representatives of the people should be allowed to meet and discuss the new situation; but those guilty of crimes for which they could be prosecuted .would not be allowed to attend. Mr ' Lloyd George concluded: "We must convince the whole of the people of Ireland that the auauthority of the law and the authority of the Empire are paramount; but, having established that fact, the British House of Commons and British nation are willing to parley with the people of Ireland, with a view to the establishment of peace, goodwilL and friendship. Details of the raid on the bicycle shop at Dublin, kept by Heron and Lawless, in Parnell Street, show that the factory occupied the whole basement, and contained a well-installed furnace and crucible, also electric machinery and four moulds holding freshly-cast bomb cases, still warm. The pattern mould boxes and equipment were all up to date. Four bench vices were used and 400 hand bombs were found. The loading was in a dangerous, haphazard manner, and there were bags of detonators all over the place, and loose powder scattered on the table. Cartridges of all kinds were mixed together, arid bags of gelignite lying about. A revolver was within each workiran's reach.

THE AREA DEFINED. (Received Sunday, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 10. It is officially stated that martial law will be applied to the cities and counties of Cork and Limerick, County Kerry, and the north and south ridings of Tipperary, and it ■will affect a population of 800,000. The area is liable to be extended. PEACE POURPARLERS. SPARRING FOR OPENINGS. LONDON, December 10. The "Mail" says that great importance is attached to the interview between Archbishop Clune and the Premier. The latter has made inquiries relating to the authenticity of messages to be delivered from Sinn Fein, and the whole position has been considerably changed by the messages. The Government demands that the rebels shall lay down their arms, and the Sinn Feiners demard that the armistice shall include everybody. Archbishop Clune replied that the'first was impossible. Many outlying parts of Ireland were uncontrolled, even by the extremists, and he asked Mr Lloyd George were the Allies able to compel all the Germans to lay down arms at the moment of the armistics? The Government meets the Sinn Fein demands by asserting that no amnesty can be granted for the leaders. Archbishop Clune retorted, quoting Generals Botha and De Wet. Were not they excused from the amnesty when peace negotiations were begun? The "News" states that Mr Lloyd George has agreed that there was; Home reason for Dr. Clune's line of argument, hinting that Mr Bonar Law substantially agreed. The "News" concludes that the greatest factor in the Government's stand-pat attitude is the process of the military putting down lawlessness, and their aversion to accepting anything savouring of weakness. The "Evening Standard's" Dublin correspondent says there is no likelihood of Sinn Fein accepting MrLloyd George's offer. Dail Eireann may meet secretly and issue a reply, despite the fact that most of the members are on the run, fearing arrest. There is not the remotest prospect of Dail Eireann entering upon pourparlers on the basis of the Government's Home Rule legislation. Probably the present warfare will be continued and intensified, resulting in an extension of military occupation over the greater part of Ireland. RAID IN DUBLIN. (Received Sunday, 11 p.m.) LONDON, December 11. The military raided a bicycle repair shop at Dublin, and found four .sacks of gelignite and large quantities of ammunition, revolvers and bombs, In various stages of manufacture. Three arrests have been made^