IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1920, Page 6

IRELAND.

VIEWS OF CATHOLIC DIGNITARIES. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Nov. 12. Archbishop Mannix, at Harrowgate, addressed a large assemblage of Roman Catholic clergy, many of whom were wearing Sinn Fein colors. He described himself as in cold storage in England. He regretted that Armistice Day had not fulfilled its promise, for there was war in Ireland. The Government was trying not to suppress murder, but to stifle and strangle the Irish people. He did not hate England or the Rritish Empire, but he would protest when that Empire failed to rely on the free consent of a people.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. London, Nov. 11. Cardinal Bourne, stating bis views regarding Ireland, says he believes the immense majority of the people of England desire the widest possible system of self-government, subject to connection with the Crown, and safeguarding the Empire's defence.

He admits that the withdrawal of troops is viewed with apprehension, as a secret oath-bound association is working in Ireland, using the weapon of assassination. He is assured that Sinn Fein disavows its activities, but. the fact is that Sinn Fein cannot control this murder gang. The question is whether Sinn Fein's impotence to cope with the gam* is due to Ireland's hostility to the presence of troops; also could°Sinn Fein destroy the secret association if left to its own resources? Tf the latter question could be answered affirmatively, almost all difficulties would vanish] and England would insist on the withdrawal of troops.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THREATENED REPRISALS IN AMERICA. New York, Nov. 11. The British Embassy has brought to the State Department an attested copy of a message from the Amalgamated Irish Societies of America, received by Sir Hamar Greenwood, threatening reprisals against Englishmen in the United States if the reprisals in Ireland continue after November 14. The State Department, with the Department of •Justice, will investigate the source of the message.

The police guards around the British Embassy at Washington have been increased, and large lights illuminate the rear of its buildings. In New York the Sinn Fein representatives deny any connection with the message and declare that no organisation such as the one mentioned exists.—Aus - N.Z. Cable Assn.