THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1922, Page 3

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

CUV TELEGRAPH —PER PIIEBS ASSOCIATION]

SPLIT IN I.R.A

LONDON, Feb. 19 The division in the I.R.A. is emphasised by a proclamation issued by South Brigade'—“The Army estaffi lished to maintain the Republic is determined to resist every power mimical thereto. The establishment of the Free State Government is inimical. A majority of the Dail Eireann and general headquarters of Army are conniving at its creation. Government have forfeited the allegiance of the citizens soldiers ■M of I R A., who are determined to raise the nation to resist the treacherous inclusion of Ireland in the British (dons. Orders and decrees of the Tree State Government are not binding th M?d Limerick Brigade has proclaimed a similar repudiation.

I.R.A. SECTIONS,

“FREE STATE” NOT FREE,

LONDON, February 19. It is stated the revolt of the Tipperary and Limerick Brigades, is causing the gravest anxiety in Belfas , which, it is stated, believes the movement will spread to other districts, and lead to a dash across the frontier^ It is reported also that an LILA., contingent is raiding various parts of the South and West, stripping those who refused to pay the original demand for military purposes.

COLLINS’S CONTENTION. LONDON, February 1». Mr Collins, interviewed regarding Mr Churchill’s statement that by establishing the Free -State,. Irish people wiould dis-estiabfeh, aj republic, said nothing that would ever (be proposed to Irish people that should tie the Nation’s feet finally.

RELEASING PRISONERSLONDON, February 20. Lord Fitzalan (Viceroy of Ireland) has ordered the immediate release of the Irish footballers whom the Ulster Government has kept in prison for

weeks. Mr Michael Collins has also ordered the release of 18 more of the kidnap■s- ped Ulster persons. The Northern Government decided to cancel the prosecution of the Monaghan footballers, though they are already committed for trial. It is hoped that the southern authorities will now apply for bail, and thus secure their immediate release, otherwise the footballers must remain in custody until formally discharged at the assizes.

DE VALERA ADAMANT. LONDON, February 20

Mr de Valera, in a speech at Cork, declared that be and his -party demanded that the people shall asert that Ireland is no part of the British Empire and that they will not allow any foreign government to rule in Ireland.