IRISH UPHEAVAL.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 2605, 15 October 1920, Page 5

IRISH UPHEAVAL.

SEVEN KILLED BY EXPLOSION

GRAVE CHARGES AGAINST CROWN ARMED FORCES.

dectric Telegraph—Presa AssociaUo Copyright. (Australian-N.Z. Cable Association.) Loudon, October 13. Five men were killed, and five wounded by an explosion in an unoccupied house in Newross County, Wexford. The cause is unknown, but it is surmised that the house was being used for manufacturing Sum Fein bombs.

It is now stated t/liat seven are dead. The five wounded are in custody on a charge of experimenting in bomb-making. Earl Grey and Lord Robert Cecil have written a joint letter, controverting Air Lloyd George’s suggestion that reprisals in Ireland condoned tlie shooting of those guilty of 'murdering police. Apparently overwhelming evidence existed that the armed forces of the Crown were systematically burning houses, killing and wounding inhabitants the victims including Protosta-nt Unionists. It is further allegedl that the policy w a,s sanctioned by the Government, including t<h© Prime Alinister. There are grave charges which would require a, full aud immediate investigation#

Sir Hamar Greenwood in a speech at Belfast stated that Lord French, Sir Nevil Alacßeady and himself w ere in complete accord, and no resignations were impending. The Government intended to proceed with the H nine Rule Bill, and was prepared to enlarge it in the most generous way possible, iu the hope of securing a complete and final settlement, but it could not tolerate independence foi' the .hole or any part of Ireland.

Sir Hamar Greenwood stated that the police force would be increased by as many thousand as were necessary to defeat the murder campaign. It lias been dccid<#d to organise a force of special constables.