NORTHERN IRELAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23691, 24 December 1938, Page 11

NORTHERN IRELAND

REPUBLICANS' THREAT ATTACKS ON POLITICIANS LONDON, Dec. 22. In consequence of a fore-warning of attacks on leading politicians and Government property in Northern Ireland, the police rounded up 34 leaders of the Irish Republican Army. POLICE GUARDS DOUBLED LONDON, Dec. 23. (Received Dec. 23, at 10 p.m.) The Belfast correspondent of the Daily Mail declares that the arrests of the leaders of the Irish Republican Army in northern Ireland were the result of a plot against the life of Lord Craigavon and other members of the Cabinet. Zero hour was to have been January 1. The Ministry for Home Affairs issued a statement saying that the Irish Republican Army was prepared for attacks on prominent persons and on Government and other oroperty during Christmas and New Year. It was therefore decided that there was no alternative but to arrest and intern well known leaders, 34 of whom have so far been arrested. The police guards on public buildings have been doubled and members of the Cabinet nrovided with a bodyguard. Those who were arrested are held in Belfast gaol and after questioning will be interned under the civil authorities special powers Act.