INVASION OF IRELAND.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 22 July 1916, Page 2

INVASION OF IRELAND.

THE RIDICULOUS HUNS. The comic effort of the Germans t. make mischief for England in Ireland by landing Sir Roger Casement and a couple of army officers there with 20.000 rifles is a reminder that an attempt to invade Ireland is an old trick of England’s Continental foes, though it has never succeeded. In times past, itoo, when this game was tried, Ireland was in a rebellious state, whereas on the present occasion the abandonment by the Irish Nationalists of their own

political programme, so as to assist in the prosecution of the war has been one of the happiest episodes in the whole great crisis. Last time it was the French, Spanish and Dutch who tried to invade Ireland. A grand expedition set sail from Brest, under General Hesche. After numerous attacks by Biitish frigate deta'dinionts, part of the licet reached Ireland, but 'he attempt to land troops failed. That was in 1797. A more serious attempt followed in the succeeding spring, but the Spanish fleet was defeated off let. Vincent by Admiral Jervis, and Admiral Duncan smashed the Dutch fleet off Camprirdown and this effectually ended attempts to reach England through the back door.