INCENDIARISM AT ENGLISH PORT

Southland Times, Issue 23741, 13 February 1939, Page 7

INCENDIARISM AT ENGLISH PORT

Outbreak Of Fire In Steamer

I.R.A. BLAMED FOR NEW SERIES OF OUTRAGES

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright)

(Received February 12, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 11. Three fires, believed to be the work of the Irish Republican Army, broke out in the steamer St. David after its arrival at Fishguard. The St. David had brought 1000 Irish passengers, most of them to attend the international Rugby match between England and Ireland. Fire balloons containing nitric acid had ignited magnesium flash powder placed under the seats in the third-class saloon.

Detectives searched all the passengers Before the departure of trains for London, and the search was renewed at Paddington, where seven persons, including a woman, were detained. After repeated threats by the I.R.A. troops are guarding the Colchester barracks.

Detectives say there is nothing at the moment to show that the I.R.A. is connected with the fire which gutted Manchester’s largest department store —it was five stories high and covered an acre—after closing. Detectives are investigating a story that explosions were heard. A bomb made in a cocoa tin was thrown over the wall of the Portsmouth power station. It missed vital parts of the plant and exploded without damage. When the 10 accused were charged with conspiracy at Manchester, the prosecution alleged that all were members of the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution referred to abortive explosions, and produced copies of the I.R.A. proclamation, and a map of Manchester on which police stations, power stations, barracks, and railway stations' were marked. t Some of the accused were found to be in possession of documents headed “Battalion Orders,” declaring that the convention, by a two-thirds majority, had resolved that the time was ripe to attack England. General Headquarters in Dublin had ordered all units in Britain to begin special military training, threatening those who did not comply With the orders with the possibility of death. The discovery was also reported of documents headed “Methods of War,” declaring that the members must not adopt the Black-and-Tans’ bloodthirstiness, but must, attack public services without causing loss of life.

A canister wrapped in a paper, bearing the letters “1.R.A.,” was found in a letter box at the Charing Cross labour exchange, in London. It is believed that it contained an explosive, which an attendant made harmless by plunging it in water.