THE IRISH WAR.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12086, 25 June 1920, Page 5

THE IRISH WAR.

MOB LAW IN DERBY.

INSTRUCTION TO.'i'HE TROOPS, United Press Association—By Electric • Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, June 22. In the House of Commons, Colonel Ashley in drawing attention to the failure of the Government to maintain order in Ireland, especially in Londonderry and Dublin, said that mob law had prevailed in Derry for seven days. He declared that the situation was unbelievable. The Chief Secretary and the Lord Lieutenant were prisoners in their own houses, as wore the officials at Dublin Castle, and had to take exercise in their own grounds, and the Republicans had established their own post offices. It was useless to talk of conciliation with the Sinn Feiners and assassins.- The only way to deal with the menace was to declare martial law.

In reply, Mr Dennis Henry (M.P. for Londonderry and Attorney-Gene-ral for Ireland) repeated Mr Bonar Law’s earlier statement. He said a battalion of troops had gone to Londonderry, and there were two battalions In Bel last ready to proceed to Derry. He admitted that the position in Dublin was very grave, but hoped that means would be found to adopt the suggestion to get the assistance of all loyal men, irrespective of party. There already had been a successful attempt along such lines. The troops were instruct! ed that if attacked they_ were to treat the attackers as ■ they would treat an enemy on the field of battle. If they saw armed men approaching, the troops must “hands up” them, and in the event of refusal must fire. The Constabulary had already been granted increased pay. Arrangements had been made lor the compensation of the widows and children. He was assured by those responsible in Ireland that better times were in siorc. There was every prospect of a speedy improvement. Already the'-e had been a marked reduction in cattle-driving-MACHINE GUNS IN THE STREETS. LONDON, June 24. Hundreds of Derry refugees arc arriving at Tyrone and Donegal. They were forced to leave their homes by a hand of armed men. There is a movement in other northern towns to join if the Derry riots continue. Ma-chine-guns tire now in action in the streets of Derry, where another night of terror is certain. A destroyer, conveying marines has reached Lough Foyle. FIGHTING SPREADS, A REIGN OF TERROR. LONDON, June 23. The Londonderry fighting has extended to new areas and a hundred casualties have been reported. Firing is increasing and snipers are busy from housetops. Serious fighting is in progress along the waterside. Unionists hold Carlisle Bridge. The food supplies in the city are running out, and the milk and other commodities that reach Londonderry, are being commandeered by the fighters. Magistrates have requested that destroyers be sent, and many citizens are leaving town. Vigorous action is expected in" Londonderry when reinforcements arrive. Mr Arthur Griffiths, Acting Sinn Fein President, when interviewed said: “If Mr Lloyd George’s statement that ho is willing to discuss the situation means private conversations, that is useless, hut if accredited representatives of Britain are prepared to meet accredited representatives of the Irish Government, the proposal will be accepted.” Despite official assurances that quiet reigns in Londonderry, correspondents report that many dead and wounded are lying in the streets, as the result of the fierce lighting which has been raging since midnight. Hotels in neutral area near the Guildhall are crowded with refugees. Elsewhere the city consists of a patchwork of Sinn Fein and Orange areas, in which manhunts arc of frequent occurrence. A hundred policemen arc on duty, but realising' their powovlossness, seldom appear "in the streets. Young soldiers remain coolly in the streets, but their orders are only to fire in extreme cii - cumstanccs. They watch the manhunts unmoved from the doorwajs, while rival parties are shooting - . Reinforcements, including cavalry, are being sent by sea, with a view to avoiding tlic dclnys "wliicli are HKely if railways are used. Lord French and ffir Nevil Macreeay conferrcd with Mr Lloyd George at Downing Street. It is understood that the Goa ernment has decided to surround and disarm the Londonderry rioters.