IN IRELAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1920, Page 2

IN IRELAND.

[ AUSTRALIAN & N.Z» CABLE ASSOCIATION]

LLOYD GEORGE'S ATTITUDE. LONDON, August 25. v Replying to an appeal from the sister of the Lord Mayor of Cork, asking for his release and stating that if he is allowed to die Ids relatives and the people of Ireland would hold the Government responsible for his murder, Mr Lloyd George telegraphed expressing his profound regret at the pain inflicted on • his sister by her brother’s determination. He said if Mr McSweeney meant to starve himself, it was impossible for his Government to make any exception in his case. If it did so, it would break down the administration of the law. All Sinn Fein prisoners would claim the same privilege. Mr Lloyd George has also issued a statement emphasising the foregoing views. He points out that there was a- recent release of hunger strikers n Ireland. It was, he says, followed by an outburst of cruel murder outrages i without protest from the political organisations to which the Lord Mayor of Cork belongs. He “The very crime of which McSweeney was convicted (having police papers) indicated he was concerned in .conspiracy against the constabulary whom it was the first duty of the British Government to protect.

Mr Lloyd George concludes: —“Every invitation to the Irish Jsfationalists to discuss a peaceable settlement has been spurned. The Government's latest offer wa.s made in Parliament at the date of its adjournment. It was' scornfully rejected. AYe are driven to fight. AVe are against the claim for complete secession of Ireland, north and south, from the Empire. This claim we can never recognise.” 0

LORD FRENCH SPEAKS. LONDON, August 25. At Dublin at a conference on the Irish crisis, the Viceroy of Ireland, Lord French moved a resolution affirming that the policy of the Government '.s fending to civil war in Ireland, and that it is of parmount importance that immediate steps be taken to secure peace.” Lord French added: “The reconquest of Ireland means the destruction of whatever property there is left in it. And he further declared: “Those calling for military intervention are calling for the assassination of fhe Irish nation. The resolution was adopted. Sir Horace Plunkett declared-that the conference was ready to accord ninetenths of the Sinn Feiners’ demands. During a discussion pn the Dominion Home Rule system for Ireland, Mr Stanley and Mr Harrington urged that three mediating statesmen should Ire chosen from Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

x IRISH OUTRAGES. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) ! LONDON, August 25. • McSweeney has received the last sacrament. Constable Haugb was shot dead at Bajntry and another constable killed at Mount Temple. Four disguised men fired on three constables at Glengariff, killing Constable McNamara, and seriously injuring Constable Cleary. The County Councils of Donegal, Leitrim and Dublin are withdrawing funds from the bank, fearing confiscation by the Government, because the Councils refuse to pay claims for Government and other property destroyed during the disturbance.