A MIDNIGHT RAID.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17017, 16 April 1923, Page 4

A MIDNIGHT RAID.

SWOOP ON IRISH REBELS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copjrrirfc i Australian unS Jff.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, April 14. Scotland Yard made another dramatic swoop at- midnight on the homes of persons suspected to be actively plotting 1.1 .England on behalf of the Irish rebels. Motors conveyed detectives simultaneously to Greenwich, Woolwich and Bermondsey, where important documents were captured. The raid was planned with the utmost secrecy, and all the suspects were surprised. Many were in bed at the time. PLANS FOR ATTACK ON LONDON. LONDON, April 15. Following doselv on the police revelations, after the London midnight raid, of the, Irish Rebels’ plans of a war on London on a grand scale, comes news oi the capture of Austin Sack, the fiercest Rebel, on whom was found » document saying that further miliLary efforts in Ireland would be futile. Ihe London raid w«*s a sequel t-o last month s round-up, when documents were found, the contents of . which are now ior the first time disclosed. Jho police discovered tho roll of members of a special section of th© Rebel army, operating in London ; elaborate plane for the destruction of underground stations: attacks on Cabinet Ministers and other high officials; raids on prison vans; the destruction of light power-stations: and the secret enlistment of London police in the Rebel forces. Details given of Brix ton Gaol formed a complete guidebook, with the names of warders and ihe times of duty. Scotland Yard was similarly listed, and the Old Bailey exits and the route? of prison vans were described, with a view to the rescue of prisoners. Tho youngest mem her of the special section was aged sixteen, and none were over twenty-one. Details were given of their qualifications for revolver and rifle shooting, and motor driving. Although many houses were searched last night, only two men were detained, charged with possessing firearms. The police have a firm grip of the ■ ouspiracy and the plans have been frustrated. was found unarmed alone, hid iuo in a ditch near where Liam Lynch was captured. He wa R caught while the troops and aeroplane? were hunting for do Valera. He was taker, to Clonmel without resistance, where he vn? found to possess a document bearing the signature t .f the Republican Executive. Thi? speaks of the gravity Of the situation of the army of the Republic, owing to the great pdds facing them and tiie losses©' lately sustained.. Tt proceed? - “ Being of opinion !bat further military effort would be countrv. without obtaining advantage, and convinced that fen months’ defensive war has made- it impossible for die Trish people ever to accept less than full national rights, and fearing that it would cause delay to a wait summoning a full meeting of the Army Council. wo the undersigned members of the Armv Council, hereby C fil! upon and authorise the President, of the Republic to order the immediate cessation of hostilities. Volunteers arc ing The election or T Government which will be the free choice of the people.’’