RECEPTION TO DR MANNIX.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1920, Page 3

RECEPTION TO DR MANNIX.

fAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

LONDON, September 23. The Bishop of Portsmouth presided at a reception to Cardinal Mannix in Cannon Street hotel. There was a large assemblage of clergy. Mannix, notwithstanding the indignity placed upon him by the British Cabinet, said he remained unrepentant. He bad been represented as a firebrand, desirous- of sowing seeds of dissension between England and Ireland, but be- 'really made a public speech,, even in America, in which he had not expressed a desire for peace in Ireland. He did not complain of any loss of dignity because there had hot been any, unless on the part of the British Cabinet. He referred to the case of man allowed to go to Ireland to induce Sinn Feiners to commit outrageous crimes, but if he attemped to go to Ireland the Navy would be mobilised.

SPEECH BY DR. MANNIX. LONDON, September 23. Dr Mannix declared the present Government was a disgrace to the Empire. During the war he heard a lot about the freedom of the seas, • but the Government brought it home to him. He did not want to boast, but he was actually Chaplain-General in His Majesty’s forces. He opposed conscription in Australia, and so did Australia. His other offence was being an Irishman. He could not help that. He had been approached in his retirement here to make a pronouncement on the Irish . question, but he had no message. If he went to Ireland he would endeavour to * promote peace. As long as he was de- * gained in England, out of touch with Irish affairs he will not say anything. He declared the British flag covered atrocities and outrages in Ireland, at which the world stands aghast. There is nothing more callous in history than Hon. Lloyd George’s offer to release Mcgweeney if the murders ceased. Mannix added, my message to England is “withdraw troops and police and let Ireland decide the form of Government and the Irish question. They are a divided people in Australia, almost as mucli as in England and Ireland. Udder Dominion home rule Ireland would become England’s friend.” The meeting sent a- message to the Pope expressing sympathy with Dr Mannix.

DR MANNIX. 'Received this day at 9.20 a.m.)

LONDON, 'Sept. 24

A conversation has taken place between representatives of English hierarchy and the Chief Secretary for Ireland relative to the prohibition of Dr Mannix landing in Ireland. It is understood the Secretary agreed to arrange an interview with the Premier, but Dr Mannix caused a breakdown of the negotiations. A strong influence is at work to induce Mannix to emerge from his retirement into the open.