IRELAND

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, 12 January 1921, Page 5

IRELAND

MOVEMENT FOR PEACE FAILS STATEMENT BY DR. CLONE. (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian A N.Z. Cable Association) PARIS, Jan. 10. : The newspaper Liherte, interviewed Archbishop Clune, who said he believed Mr. Lloyd George’s attitude towards Ireland was sincere, a n£ l ho really desired peace. Unfortunately, several members of the Cabinet and lumbers of Parliament, including Mir. Bonar Law, were not of the same opinion, saying the British people would not be satisfied with any peace negotiated before the Irish laid down ■ their arms. Sir N. Macready also favoured continuing the struggle. Mr. Lloyd George then changed his tone, and intimated to me that no truce could be considered while the Irish remained in arms. The Sinn Fein leaders refused the offer. For that reason his mission failed. Archbishop Clune expressed admiration for the Sinn Feiners, and said that when Mr. Lloyd George' described them as murderers, he replied, “No, j not murderers, but the cream of their j race.” I

Archbishop Chine continued that I the British soldiers and black and tans j were absolutely inlnnnans. Soldiers Land officers shoot and pillage as they ! please. If the struggle continued Irej land will only be a heap of ashes. The battlefields of Belgium and the Somme [are not worse than some parts of Ireland. He considers _ himself an im- ! partial witness, and said he hoped soon i to convey the same information to the Pope. MILITARY CAR WAYLAID LONDON, Jan. 10. Eight men waylaid a military touring car in Dublin containing two officers and tho wife of one. A number of shots failed to stop the car, and other I assailants further on opened fire. One) jumped on the footboard and fired twice | at tne lady. The shots penetrated her! dress, but she was unhurt. One officer wa© slightly wounded, A third attempt to stop the car by Wnnkimr the road failed. A VISITOR TO AUSTRALIA REFUSED. PERMISSION TO LAND Jan. 11. Osmond Thomas Grattan Esmond arrived by the Makuxa, claiming to be on a highly important diplomatic, mission in connection with th© home rule movement in Ireland ; but was refused permission to land at any port in Australia. Esmonds declined to take the oath of allegiance. He said he wae here in connection with Irish affairs, but declined to state what those affairs were. He is taking legal opinion on the question of the Customs authorities not allowing him to land.