THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1921, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

AUSfItAI.IA.N AND N'.Z- CABLt ASSOCIATION. A STRENUOUS MEETING; AWAITING THE HUSH REPLY. LONDON, Dec. 2. Last night was the most Streiiuous since the Irish negotiations opened, lion Lloyd George’s alternative scheme was submitted to Sinn Fein and nego-

tiations began at! 6.30, but as a consequence of amendments suggested bySinn Fein, the Conference lasted on and adf till the early hours of the morning. Duggan and Duffy have taken the final draft to Dublin and Griffiths and Collins follow them to-day. The Dail Kireann’s reply is expected mi Monday. If the proposals are rejected they w ill not bo submitted to Ulster. The “Manchester Guardian’s” wellinformed political correspondent declares that negotiations are in danger of fc-ollapsing, mainly on the question of personal alleginee, Sinn Fciners eontending the oath ought to be to| tile

Irish Constitution of Irishmen. Unfortunately. the correspondent says, they imagine that the oath of allegiance to Britain implies the right of interference in Ireland’s domestic life of the country, tis a daughter instead of a sister State, though such scruples appear pendnntie. and most formal in view of tho uniformity of the oath used throughout the Empire which does not entail Imperial interference in dominions affairs. Nevertheless they are a conscientious obstacle. Ireland is willing.to associate with Britain on terms securing our safety. IVe are making the form of tire oath of allegiance a. capital issue when it is really unimportant.

•SINN FKINERS IN GAOL. LONDON, Dee. 2 An attempt was made to rescue the Sinn Fein prisoners who are incarcerated ill Derry Gaol. It was the most sensational attempt ever made. The intending rescuers drove up to the gaol hi motor c.Ttrs at three o’clock in the morning. Simultaneously several of the prisoners in their cells, called for water. They then overpowered, tied, and gagged the warders. The prisoners next rushed out into the prison yard, where they also knocked dawn and tied ii]> several constables. Meimwhile, however, military patrols interrupted the rescuers, just as the latter were throwing a ro]M? ladder over the wall to a dozen bare footed prisoners who were found waiting inside, ready to climb the ladder. The military patrol, on entering a corridor, found two constables named, Little and Gorman, dead, they having been handcuffed with their own liaiuleulfs. It lias been ascertained the two constables were killed by means of drugged handkerchiefs. The military seized the motor car and arrested three civilians. Two of the warders then s»i*i-».'k'd jo fori in-,; the dozen prisoners hack to the cells.

There aie 86 prisoners ill the gaol, who are now* kept handcuffed and pl;u**‘d in separate cells. ULSTER’S MOVE. LONDON, Dec. 3 Consequently upon the decision of Tyrone (cabled on Novemlier 28) to leave Ulster, the authorities of Ulster took possession of the Courthouse t! ere wlieie they have placed guards. Tin* officials of the County Departments. however, have been ordered to leave off work.