SHATTERED IRELAND

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11223, 31 May 1922, Page 5

SHATTERED IRELAND

SITUATION MOST CRAVE FIGHT BETWEEN CROWN AND SINN FEIN FORCES. A MAYOR’S WARNING. By Telegraph.—-Press Assn.- —Copyright. Australian an-d N.Z. Cablo Association (Received May 30, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 29. Fighting between Crown forces and Sinn Feinem on the border near Xcvrry lasted for over thirty hours, but has now ceased. Many casualties were inflicted on both aides. The rebels failed to capture the police barracks, and sought a truoe, which was granted.

A GRIM WARNING

THREAT TO BURN LONDONDERRY (Received May 30, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 29. At a meeting of the Londonderry corporation, the Mayor warned the British authorities and tile Northern Government that if the present policy of driving out tho Nationalists from mother Ireland and Londonderry continued they would burn the city to tho ground.

ISSUES GRAVE AND URGENT

COMMONS TO DISCUSS SITUATION. LONDON, May 29. Mr Winston Churchill stated -in tho House of Commons that he hoped to make a statement on Ireland to-mor-row. In view of the gravity and urgency of the issues, Parliament was entitled to the fullest information in order to discuss the situation before the Whitsuntide recess.

FURTHER INCENDIARY FIRES

NUMBER OF ARRESTS MADE. LONDON, May 29. Forty arrests were made on the Falls road district, Belfast, this morning. There wore further incendiary fires during the night.

' FORCED TO RETIRE

CONFLICT BETWEEN POLICE AND I.R.A. LONDON, May 29. Fierce and spasmodic fighting occurred on the Donegal-Fermanagh border. Forty police went to Miagheramena Castle, near Belleek, as reinforcements. While on their way they observed a party of the I.R.A. -marching along tho railway line, trying to reach a position dominating the castle. After prolonged shooting, the I.R.A. force retired, leaving five killed. The polioe lost one killed and three wounded. • ■

CAMPAIGN OF MURDER

KILLING CONTINUES IN BELFAST. (Received May 30, 7.55 p.m.) LONDON, May 30. The campaign of murder continues in Belfast. Two policemen and a civilian were talking at the door of the barracks when three gunmen opened fire at fifteen yards’ range. A constable was hit in the stomach and the civilian wounded. Later, Constable MeGarity was shot dead. Firing was continued in th© neighbourhood, two civilians being killed and several wounded.

LOYALISTS KIDNAPPED

EXODUS FROM BORDER. i (Received’ May 30, 7.'55 p.m.) LONDON, May 30. Sinn Feiners kidnapped a number of loyalists at the Pettigo market, on the Fermanagh border, from which loyalists are fleeing, leaving everything behind them.

SERIOUS DISQUIET

POINTS HOLDING UP NEGOTTA--1 TIONS. (Received May 30, 7.55 p.m.) LONDON, May 30. There is serious disquiet in Parliamentary circles over the Irish situation, and members of the -House of Commons are frankly discussing the alternatives if the conference breaks down. The general view is that Cabinet will not be prepared to act without express authority from th© country. The Irish election and the oath are points that are holding up negotiations.