IN IRELAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1920, Page 3

IN IRELAND.

THE GOVERNMENT VIEW

OF AN AVOWED REBEL.

(Reuter’s Telegrams.)

(Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, September sth

Hon. Bonnr Law, replying to the Labour Party’s appeal to release McSweehey, says he was arrested while actively conducting the affairs of., a rebel organisation, under cover of the Mayoral Court. He had been taken at his word and deal with as an avowed rebel, according to the universal practice of [civilised nations. Ho would in view 1 of the circumstances, have been liable to be immediately shot. After referring to the details of the trial and the efforts to secure his release and the murders and outrages in Ireland during his imprisonment, lie added that Government fully realises how large a part sentiment plays in all human affairs. Greatly as the Government sympathises with those who desire to see peace and order restored in Ireland, they cannot take the course, which as the Prime Minister had said, would inevitably lead to a complete breakdown of the whole machinery of the law and Government policy. That had been made clear from the outset and if the Lord Mayor dies in prison, the responsibility will rest in some degree upon who by repeated appeals, encouraged the belief that Government would prove insincere in their determination, and the that notwithstanding all declarations to the contrary, his misguided action would lead eventually to his release. Mr Bonar Law added that the condition of McSweeney was unchanged. ORDERED TO LEAVE(Received This Day at 8.40 a.m.) LONDON,- September 6. The French Government asked Gavan Duffy to leave France, because he communicated to French newspapers a letter he wrote to M. Millerand, urging intercession with Hon. Lloyd George in favour of McSweeney, and also because of his refusal to discontinue his anti-British pqliey.