THE IRISH PLOT

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 208, 22 May 1918, Page 7

THE IRISH PLOT

FURTHER ARRESTS DETAILS OF CONSPIRACY DEMANDED DRASTIC MEASURES URGED

London, May 20. The Irish arrests number over a hundred, including seventy-three Sinn Foiners, who sailed from Kingstown to Holyhead on Saturday. A huge crowd at Kingstown cheered the prisoners, tho crowd shouting: "Up with the rebels and small nationalities." The police later dispersed tho crowd, which commenced to sing "tho soldiers' song." Arrests continue in various parts, including Alnlone, Gahvay, Cavan, Casliel, Sligo, Dundalk, Kilkenny, Clonmel, Roscommon, and Cork, but principally in Dublin. Four Sinn Fein members of Parliament have thus far boon arrested, apart from Mr. 13. Ginnell, who is now serving six months' imprisonment in Mountjoy Prison. Practically tho whole of the governing body of tho Sinn Fein movement is in custody. Tho general belief is that the Catholic clergy will now abandon their original attitude of storn resistance. A well-known Dublin priest said on Sunday that if it were true that a. German plot existed in Ireland tho great majority of tho Nationalists would withdraw their sympathy from tho Sinn Fein movement, and contro their hopes {or an Irish settlement in constitutional methods under Mr. Dillon's party. It is believed in Dublin that Mr. Dillon may decide to bring back his followers to Westminster and interrogate the Government regarding tho German plot, especially as Lord French's proclamation virtually admits that tho conscription policy has failed. .->,.. Tho Sinn Feincrs protest agamst tho allegations that, a Gormen -plot exists. Tho first result of tho arrests was the collapse of tho election campaign in Ea6t Cavan, whero all the Sinn Feincrs engaged on tho elootion were arrested. Thoro will probably bo no contest, but Mr. Griffiths, the Sinn Foin candidate, who was arrested, will Tie elected nuop. posed. Publio opinion in Belfast is not impressed by the number of .arrests, as it is recalled that some of those .wrested were sentenced to death in 1916, and others, escaped long imprisonment by hunger-striking. Among Orangemen Uio ■liopo prevails that if the accused are proved guilty of having dealings with the enemy they will bo vigorously dealt with.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

ARRESTS CONTINUE. (Rec. May 21, 8 p.m.) London, May 20. Ireland was still outwardly calm this morning. The- arrests continue quietly throughout tho country. The latest include Maud Gonne, tho widow of Major M'Bride, who was executed in lfllfi.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. NEARLY A.CLEAN SWEEP OF THE EXECUTIVE. ■ (Rec. May 21, 11.4.0 p.m.) London, May 20. Tho official members of the Central Executive of tho Sinn Fein totalled 30. Only soven of these have not l>een arrested. They include two women and three priests—United Sorvice. A NIGHTMARE FOR MONTHS KNOWLEDGE OF THE.PLOTTING. London, May 20. For months the knowledge that a new conspiracy was maturing has weighed Lipou Ireland like a nightmare. Tangible evidences of tho fact wero numerous, including tho looting of arms and explosives and the boasjjiij of orators. All Irish loyalists are convinced that Gormany is at tho bottom of tho trouble. It is believed that another rebellion is possible should tho Allies meet with serious reverses in Franco. Tho authenticity of tho evidence is unquestioned. ■Tho Tillies," in a lender, says it is most necessary to publish the evidence immediately, to dispel the cloud of sensational rumours which are afloat.—' lhe iinics." CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE OF CONSPIRACY

REBELLION TO SECOND THE GEEMAN OFFENSIVE*.

London, May 20. The "Daily Mail" understands that the Government has conclusive evidence of tho Irish, conspiracy. Tho Germans clearly hoped that a great insurrection would eyuchronise with : tho supreme moment of the gigantio Western offensive. i Tho "Daily Mail's" Dublin correspondent suys it is believed that tho Sinn Feiuere have prepared for a decentralised control of the organisation .in the event of tho central committee being put out of action. Most important documents have been destroyed or removed. An anti-conscription fund, totalling remains in tho hands of local trustees.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DEMAND FofPULL PUBLICITY BRITISH PRESS COMMENT. (Eec. May 21, 8.20 p.m.) London, May 20. The newspapers urgo tho necessity upon tho Government of inimediately formulating charges against the Irish peoplo who have been arrested, expediting the publication of the material facts, and giving tho accused a full and fair opportunity of making their defenco. Tho "Daily Telegraph" says:—"The supreme mistake of successive British Governments during tho past decade has been to allow British authority and the Law to fall into contempt." Tho "lelegraph" congratulates the Government on liaving at length determined to .put an end to open treason in Ireland. 'Thc-y have cast the net wide, and we hope thore will be no more pitiful surrender to any clamour for the release of the conspirators as political prisoners." Tho "Morning Post" 6ays:--"Tho arrests constitute an excellent step towards the re-establishment of a. firm government in Ireland." It complains that tho Nationalist lenders have been left to carry on a seditious ngitation against conscription. . The "Daily Express" says:- This crazy Sinn Fein plot must bo crushed, but tvo hopo and beliovp that tho British people will maintain tho attitude of friendship Mid sanity so forcibly expounded by General Smuts. Iho pledges given to tho Irish jxwple must be fulfilled."—Keutor. FACTS TO J3E PUBLISHED. (Rec. May 21, 9.30 p.m.) London, May 20i It is understood that the evidence of the complicity between the Sinn Fein leaders and tlie enemy is l>oing prepared, and will bo published shortly.-Aus.-A.Z. Cablo Assn.-Reuter. "EMERGENCY" EXECUTIVE TAKES CONTROL (Rcc. May 21, 8.20 p.m.) London, May 20. The Sinn Fein "Emergency Executive," which was nominated before the arrests, has assumed control. It is expected that the Government will prohibit the Sinn Fein agitation.—United Service.