IRISH TRIBUNAL

Northern Advocate, 17 August 1933, Page 5

IRISH TRIBUNAL

UNLIMITED POWER UNDER DE VALERA REGIME BLUE SHIRTS MOVEMENT. CHURCH PARADES CANCELLED,

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) DUBLIN, August 15. The Irish Free State Cabinet sat for throe hours today. It decided to establish a military tribunal to deal with political offences. The “Irish Gazette” officially notifies additions to the Free State Constitution. Under these a special tribunal can bo established. Also, the police are given powers of arrest and questioning on suspicion, including suspicion of .membership of an associadeemed to bo unlawful, and the banning of public meetings is permitted. The Leader of the Blue Shirts, General O’Duffy, following ecclesiastical intervention, lias cancelled the church parades called for next Sunday, on the ground that ecclesiastical law does not perm if parades in church precincts. Ho has substituted an assembly of Blue Shirts in each district, at which there will be two minutes’ ■ silence in honour of Griffiths, Collins and O’Higgins,

After thnt Hie various commanders will road an Important message from (len ora I O ’Duffy. Tlio latter states that the time, place and district of the parades will bo decided by the local commanders. Asked whether this meant that parados would be held on Sunday, the General declined 1c answer. SECRET TRIALS. TERRTBLE PENALTIES. FLOGGING OR DEATH. (Received 9 a.m.) LONDON, August 1 fi. The Dublin correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says it is assumed that the new military tribunal will bo established almost immediately. Under the Public Safety Act it may impose unrestricted penalties, including flogging nr death for political offences. It may hold secret trials without the right of the accused persons to appeal.

There have been anxious consultations between members of the Cosgrave Party (Opposition), in view of a possible election. The position as between the Blue Shirts and the Cosgrave Party is serious. It is rumoured that Mr Cosgrave is. being urged to resign in order that a . united front against Mr do Valera may bo formed. Several of Mr Cosgrave’s former Ministers are Blue Shirts, and they want General o’Duffy in a leading place in their possible Government, but Mr Cosgrave and Ins intimates are opposed to General O’Duffy.

TRANSFER OF VALUABLES. INSURANCE WITHDRAWN. (Received 9 a.m.) LONDON, August 16. The Dublin 'Correspondent of the "News Chronicle ” says a big-scale transfer to Britain of valuables including pictures, jewellery and heirlooms stored in Irish banks is following the withdrawal of arms. The reason is that the insurance companies have declared that their policies do not cover "civil commotion."

The banks have been deprived of arms, and are installing tear gas equipment. DISLOYAL GESTURE QUEEN VICTORIA STATUE REMOVAL ORDERED (Received 9 a.m. LONDON, August 16. The Dublin correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph” states that the Irish Free State Government has ordered the Board of Works to remove the statue of the late Queen Victoria now standing on the lawn in front of the entrance to Leinster House, before the Bail reassembles.

MINISTERIAL CAMPAIGN. TESTING PEOPLE’S MOOD. BILL MAY BE ABANDONED. (Received 1.30 pan.) , t , LONDON, August % s Mr tie Valera will open his Ministerial campaign at Kilkenny on Sunday, indicating that the Government intends to learn the people’s attitude first-hand. If general support seems assured an election may he thrown on the country. The Government may abandon the proposed military tribunal and also the exhibition of force against General O’Duffy, because this would encourage the Blue Shirts, who thrive on suppres-

sion. The Senate Insisted by IS votes to If! on amending the Public Service Bill in order to exempt the Civic Guard from wage reductions. The Dai! disagreed. Senator Staines charged the Government with allowing men to congregate outside Dublin on Sunday with murdei; in their hearts ami cobblestones in their hands awaiting the Blue Shirts. The Administration, while “docking” the Civic Guard, spent £BO,OOO on a new armed police force. Mr Sean MeEntoe explained that the latter was necessary to strengthen the

force, in view of the cessation of recruiting for the Guard. In the interest of economy, he hoped that the Guard would be disbanded when the emergency had ended. The Bail may reassemble to consider the situation, but it is believed that the Government will withdraw its bill and impose a surtax realising £300,000.