DR MANNIX

Hokitika Guardian, 9 August 1920, Page 2

DR MANNIX

AUSTKAMAN N.Z. OAOI.K ASSOCIATION] COUNTER DEMONSTRATION.

LONDON, August o There is the possibility or a riot at Liverpool. Anti-Sinn Feinerß are likely to provide a counter demonstration it the processions come into collision. The trouble will probably be more acute if Dr. Mannix does not appear, because the Sinn Feiners will then feel themselves foiled. There are no indications that the police and troops in Liverpool have been strengthened in preparation for the “Baltic’s” arrival on Sunday which probably means that Dr. Mannix will not bo permitted to land. The “Liverpool Courier” states that local Church dignitaries will not participate - in Dr Mannix’s welcome. LONDON, August 6. The Admiralty has ordered a strict • watch on the' south of Ireland to pro vent a tug approaching the Baltic, and attempting to land Dr Mannix in Ireland. Destroyers are patrolling the south coast in readiness to act. It js now suggested that the Baltic may be diverted to -Southampton, in view of he police apprehension of disorders in Liv erpool. VIEWS OF THE VATICAN. NEW YORK, August 7. The “New York American’s” Rome correspondent interviewed Cardinal Gasparri, the Papal Secretary of State And questioned him about Ireland. The Cardinal is reported as having said the Holy iSee was opposed to violence in any form, whether manifested verbally or bloodily. No cause, however good or holy, could bo served by any systemate breakng of the law and by the murder of innocent people. He pointed out how the Irish Bishops on their own initiative had repeatedly appealed to the Sinn Feiners for a moderation and for a Christian spirit. The correspondent says the added the appeal met with scant success.

LONDON, August 6. British' Government circles say Dr Mannix’s arrival will be made at a particularly inopportune moment for the Government plans to compel in Ireland a state of peace. It is alleged the arrival of Dr Mannix will increase the Government’s anxiety by stimulating demonstrations of disloyalty.

Dr Mannix lias not, however sent any message to Ireland regarding his intentions. Nevertheless the Sinn Feiners are all hajljng him as a hero of their cause,

The Government’s so-called precautionary measures are stated to be promoted by a belief that Dr Mannix’s presence would complicate an already inflamed situation so ns to result in bloodshed. There are legal authorities engaged in a controversy as to whether it is lawful to prevent a British subject to return to his native land, despite whether or not his utterances are considered to be mischevious. It is understood that certain actions will be taken under the Defence of the Realm Act, which Act may experts consider should have been abandoned when peace was achieved. Australian circles attribute the British Government’s measures, from which they are not receding, to Mr Hughes’ intervening with direct communications. Sow-? of thp newspapers take the view that there wpuld bo less likelihood of trouble if Dr Mannix were permitted to land without Government hindrance. It is not yet disclosed whether the police have beep instructed to prevent Dr Mannix from landing at Liverpool. There is the most intense excitement at Liverpool among the large Irish population there) which is growing daily. Irishmen fear that the Government will trick, them at the last moment, billowing thp Balfcio tp berth normally but only after Dr Mannix has been transferred to apother ship, possibly a destroyer ,which will then fake liim to another port, or wiP'hlace him aboard an outward bound liner going to America.

Dr Mannix’s cousin, Canon Maden, presents Dr Mannix with an address of welcome at Liverpool. The Reception Committee-has already wirelessed Dr Mannix, and suggested a programme of the celebrations. !

LIVERPOOL WEI/COME. .LONDON, August 6. Mr Kelly, the President of the Liverpool Irisli Self-Determination League, has informed the Australian Press Association that if the liner “Baltic” arrives at Liverpool during the day time Archbishop Mannix will be welcomed by fully 30,000 Irishmen there, including 5000 from the city of Manchester. The Lord Mayor and the Corporation of Dublin will reach Liverpool to-mor-row, when Dublin City’s freedom will probabjy ! be conferred on Dr, Mannix. societies wii) present addreggpp iff J)f Mspjjix. A prpeessiog non* Ghj wharf will be held apd if wilj includp Sinn Fein Clubs, flip Qaejic League, the Foresters and the Dockers’ Union, with hundreds of Sjnn Fein flags, and also five brass bnnds. Dr Mannix will he invited to address a public meeting nt Liverpool.

The correspondent goes on to report Cardinal Gasparri as saying: “It is not surprising that Dr Mannix should have created such a stir in the United States, where the Irisli element is *so numerous. He has a handsome and engaging personality and is gifted with impassioned eloquence. ’Hie Vatican has not taken any steps to curb Dr Man. nix’s political utterances. The Vatican wil£ continue to give full liberty to the Ujuliouw and. to file clergy, as long as they respect their religious duty. Ireland |s not the only country where the people are at loggerheads. The same thing is happening in several of the newly-formed independent States, where the Bishops and clergy are *4so taking, without the Vatican’s hindrance a prominent part in the struggle. The British Government, on the other hand, Jia.s adopted (as a purely precautionary pleasure) the policy of debarring Dr Mannix from landing in Ireland, as his landing there might lead to a renewal qf riots and disorders. It is understood that Dr Mannix will land at Liverpool and will proceed straight to Rome, apd will report to the Holy Father there. There is no truth in the statement that when Mr Balfour visited tho Vatican the asked the Pope to exert his influence with the Bishops and clergy to get them to condemn tho Sinn Fein movement. v Mr Balfour is too experienced a statesman to he guilty of such an error if judgment .