IRELAND

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 12 April 1922, Page 5

IRELAND

ACTIVITIES OF REPUBLICANS POSITION SERIOUS IN SOUTHERN IRELAND (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association), LONDON, April ,10. When Judge Cooke attended the Litford Court house' to open tha Donegal session he found armed Republicans in possession, ami they refused him admission. Two armed women held up a Donegal tram at Cresslmxgli, and seized and burned Belfast and Derry newspapers. While, Mr Cavan Duffy was addressing a meeting at Tullaniore Republicans rushed the platlorm, overturned the press tables, seized Mr Dully, arid dragged him from the platform amid cries of “Up, de Valera! Up, the Republic.” hinn Feinevs wrecked the Albert Street Presbyterian Church in Belfast, and smashed the Communion plate, 'Hie church is now useless for service.

The Daily Express Belfast correspondent learns authoritatively that Mr Collins has requested Great Britain to retain the remainder of the British troops in the South of Ireland, where the position is serious. It is stated that M. de Valera may possibly declare a republic during Easter, on the anniversary of the first Sinn Fein rebellion. LONDON, April 11. An armed body of the Irish republican army suppressed Clonmel Sessions, functioning as the Free- Stale Goiut, despite, the judge s and counsels piotests. The Ulster Government issued a. proclamation prohibiting except Crown forces and certain specified special constables from possession of arms. The Donegal railway notified that owing to conditions in the country they cannot- guarantee that trains will reach their destination, and disclaim all responsibility for delays, injuries to passengers, or losses of luggage and merchandise. Mr Churchill, in the House of Commons, denied emphatically rumours that plans for the evacuation of Ireland had been changed. The specials captured at Clones have been released. PROCLAMATION BY DE VALERA LONDON, April 10. The Daily Mail’s Dublin correspondent states that de Valera issued a document proclaiming the creation ot a republican party whose aims include repudiation of the Treaty, winch is humiliating to the nation, destructive of its status ahd national claims, and the removal from Ireland of every vestige of foreign authority and interference. CONFERENCE. SUMMONED . TO CONSIDER TRUCE OR SETTLE- .- KENT .LONDON, April 11 The; Lord Mayor of Dublin convened a! conference To consider a truce or settlement. Mr de Valera and Mr Collins have accepted invitations. * fi T urn min mi ’