GUN-RUNNING RUMOUR.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 471, 4 June 1932, Page 1

GUN-RUNNING RUMOUR.

Irish Coast Reported to be Watched. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, June 3. The Cork correspondent of the “ Daily Express ” understands that in spite of the vigilance of a number of British destroyers which have been patrolling the southern coast of Ireland a quantity of arms and ammunition has been landed for the equipment of the Irish Republican Army. When the question was referred to the British Admiralty, officials disclaimed any knowledge of such gunrunning activities, but it was admitted that a number of destroyers which had been despatched for emergency exercises had been recalled. The Irish Republican Army, which was declared an illegal organisation by Mr Cosgrave’s Government, sprang to open life again when Mr de Valera took office. For the first time for many months, men of the 1.R.A., which is a volunteer force pledged to use every means, including arms, to establish the Republic of Ireland, have been seen openly patrolling the streets. They received no interference from the police, though they remained a prohibited body till the Constitution Amendment Act passed in the Dail when Mr Cosgrave was in power was repealed. Recruiting bureaux have been opened for the 1.R.A., and there have been many volunteers. The Dublin correspondent of the “ Manchester Guardian ” recently pointed out that the partition of Ireland was one of the gravest sources of danger in the Irish situation, and that the activities of the 1.R.A., and the possible formation of a similar body in Northern Ireland, might be used to end the partition, even by force. It was also pointed out that the I.R.A. organised under the connivance of the Government, could easily control elections by intimidation. The 1.R.A., which is organised on military lines, uniformed and armed, corresponds to the semi-military organisation controlled by Hitler in Germany.