THE IRISH PRORLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PRORLEM.

iBY TEI.IIGUAPH —FEE PHESS ASSOCIATION J ULSTER GOVERNMENT STATEMENT. LONDON, Feb. 12. The Ulster Government to-night issued a statement as follows: “Me have been in constant communication with the British Government during the weekend. Mr A. Griffith has sent emissaries to County Monaghan, with instructions to arrange for the release of the kidnapped loyalists.” The note continues: “In case the present negotiations with the British Government prove ineffective, we 1 have suggested to the' latter that County Monaghan and other danger beyond the Ulster Boundary—ghaH be -v occupied by garrisons of British troops, and with a free hand to take all necessary steps to secure the loyalists’ release, and to stop all further border incursions, and to prevent any recurrence of a cowardly outrage like the Clones station affair.

“Further steps in our plan,” says the * statement, “are to organise, for submission to both houses of the British Parliament, resolutions declaring that until the British Government agrees that boundaries will not be altered without the consent of the Ulster Government and Parliament, tae members of the Ulster Parliament will refuse to pass any legislation dealing with the Irish Treaty.”

The statement concludes; “This will not exhaust the Ulster resurees in dealing with the situation, 3but any public pronouncement relating to our other proposed steps would be injudicious. Meanwhile, every opportunity is being given, to Messrs Collins and Griffith to fulfil the promises to secure the release of the kidnapped persons.”

BRITISH TROOPS FOR ULSTER. LONDON, Feb. 13. Sir James Craig now announces that the British Government has promised him to send to Ulster sufficient British % troops to maintain order. SNIPING IN BELFAST. London, Feb. 13. Much sniping occurred in Belfast on Sunday night. The police and military forces returned the fire. The soldiers used machine guns against a mob. A CABLE TO ULSTER. 1 WELLINGTON, Feb. 13. In connection with the Ulster happenings the P.P.A. have cabled to Sir James Craig, Ulser Premier, saying; “Thousands of New Zealand protestauts deplore Sinn Feiners’ treachery and out ra||cs. Men and money at your command to secure justice and protection in , Ireland.” THE KIDNAPPERS. (Received This Day at 9.5 n.m.) LONDON, February 13. A large number of kidnappers have been transferred from Bally boy to County Cavan. It is officially stated in Belfast that British troops will not be sent to the Free State, but will be placed on the 4 northern side of the frontier.

CABLE NEWS,