IRISH CIVIL WAR

Southland Times, Issue 19771, 20 February 1923, Page 5

IRISH CIVIL WAR

A MONTH’S TRUCE SUGGESTED. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Router’s Telegrams.) LONDON, February 18. A proposal for a month’s truce, in order to enable peace negotiations to be conducted in a favourable atmosphere, has been addressed to the heads of the Free State and leaders of the irregulars by the /Association of neutral members of the old Republican army as the outcome of the recent peace convention held in Dublin. It is suggested that the conditions include the suspension of all military activities, acts of aggression against the public and private persons and property by the Republicans, and the suspension of all Free State activities, arrests, trials, and executions. The peacemakers request replies by the 23rd, with an immediate cessation of acts of aggression. They offer to nominate a neutral chairman for the peace conference, to which they would submit proposals as the basis of negotiations. The Association appeals for the active support of the people and public bodies throughout Ireland. AMNESTY PROCLAMATION. HOPE OF SETTLEMENT. LONDON, February 19. (Received February 19, 8.15 p.m.) Sunday was the final day for the surrender and handing in of arms under General Mulcahy’s amnesty proclamation. Apparently the amnesty has been extended, though the prolongation may only relate to two isolated columns north of Kerry. At anyrate there are still hopes of settlement as Free State Ministers assert that only terrorism is keeping most of the rebels from surrender.

Denis Lacey, one of the most bitter insurgents in the south has been the biggest loss to the Republicans since the capture of Ernest Malley in November. REBELS NOT UNITED. LONDON, February 18. The Observer’s Dublin correspondent says importance is attached to two captured letters from Mary McSwiney to De Valera, which indicate a split on some important question. One letter says: “I believe your proposed action ruinous. Forgive me for speaking my mind plainly, but Ireland comes first.” The second letter refers to the Deasy debacle, and expresses the fear that further similar incidents will follow. SIR BRYAN MAHON’S RESIDENCE DESTROYED. LONDON, February 16. Rebels burned Senator Sir Bryan Mahon’s residence in Kildare. Free Staters arrested fourteen persons following on the Dublin explosion. DUBLIN HOUSE BLOWN UP. LONDON. February 16. A house in Parnell Square, Dublin, occupied by the Civil Defence force was destroyed by a mine which also damaged about forty houses in the neighbourhood.