MARTIAL LAW.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1920, Page 3

MARTIAL LAW.

TO BE PROCLAIMED. IN PORTION OF IRELAND. ALIAS <Jt N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION,' (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) . LONDON, Dec. 10. In the Commons Hon Lloyd George said for the past three weeks, Government had been in touch with various persons regarding the situation in Ireland. There had been no negotiations, but certain people offered their services. Government had seen both sides, and after a very careful study had decided upon the course to take. Government were convinced that a majority of people in Ireland of all sections, were anxious for peace and a fair settlement, as was the Government, but he was regretfully convinced that the sections controlling the policy of murder and violence were not yet ready for peace on a basis of unbroken unity of the United Kingdom. He referred to the resolution of Galway County and Urban Councils, as a welcome signs of the new spirit and also Rev. Flanagan’s statement, but Flanagan’s action had been repudiated by the heads or organsatlons responsible for murders.

In the Commons Hon Lloyd George said there were men who had not given any indication that they were prepared to surrender on any terms this country could possibly accept. Government was determined to do 'all in its power to break up these more or less organised terrorists. There were difficulties in the way of stronger action, because the insurgent forces in the south had taken to. the hills, whence they attacked and ambushed the police and intimidated the peasantry, who were tired of this terrorism. Some wearing captured British uniforms undoubtedly' committed outrages for which forces of the Crown were unjustly blamed. To meet all these difficulties the Government decided to proclaim martial law in a certain area of southern Ireland. He hoped the House would not press him. at this stage to mention the exact area. All arms and uniforms therein must be surrendered by a certain date to an officer of the Crown, police or parish priest, whereafter all unauthorised’persons with arms or British uniforms will be treated as rebels, and be liable to death on conviction.

Hon. Lloyd George deeply regretted this course was. necessary, but the conditions made it absolutely essential. Government did not recognise the Dail Eireann as a body, but as individuals. Government proposed that constitutionally elected representatives of the people should be allowed to meet and discuss the situation, but those guilty of crimes for which they could be prosecuted would not be allowed to attend. He concluded—We must convince the whole people of Ireland that tlie authority of law and order of the Empire was paramount, but having .established that fact, the British Commons and British nation is willing to parley with the people of Ireland, with a view to the establsh merit of peace, goodwill and friendships