THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

lIIV TELEOUAI'II—I’EU PRESS ASSOCIATION]

THE IRISH TRUCE. (Received This Day at 8 30 a.in.) LONDON, February 23. The “Irish Times” states the Si ,ln Fein bargain merely checks the natural developments of the split for three months, during which both parties will make themselves ready for a decisive battle at the polls. It is manifest, however that the Provisional Government wanted a truce so badly that it was willing to pay a heavy price. De Valera by defeating Collins’ plan for an early election, has strengthened the treaties enemies in the Imperial Parliament. Furthermore, he takes the framing of the constitution out of the hands of the first Parliament.

“Freeman's Journal” states the Dail Eireann ministers have certainly taken a risk hut the country Will approve of the decision to put something to a hazard in the hope of reaching ail ultimate agreement: The “Independent” af-giiCs that-if it is not a complete reconciliation there is at least a mutual forbearance with the possibility of an ultimate agreement. MORE ULSTER SHOOTINGS. London, Feb. 33. The shooting in Belfast was renewed on Wednesday and several people were wounded, The troops .have restored order. IRISH LEADERS AGREE. LONDON, Feb. 22.

At tlie Sinn Fein Congress, Mr (le Valera stated that the leaders had agreed on the following conditions;— That the Ardfheis should adjourn for three months, not twdl months, itl drder to give the signatories to the London agreement an opportunity to draft their Constitution for the Free State. That the Dali Fireaiiu shall continue to function, and no vote of the Dail shall be regarded as a party vote, requiring the resignation of the President and the Cabinet: In the meantime, no Parliamentary election shall be held.

When a Parliamentary election is held the Constitution of the Free State, in its final form, shall be presented, witH the Articles of the Agreement, so that people can decidffl as between the Republic and the Free State.

Tlie Ardflieis has ratified the leadcis’ agree me nt. I.R.A. OFFICER MURDERED. LONDON, Feb. ?‘A Lieut. Duffy, of the Republi.au Aimv was murdered when in charge of a party that were demanding admission to lb* house of Leslie Huddleston, a retired British Army officer. Huddleston’s door was suddenly opened, and a man from inside fired at Duffy and shot hyn through the heart. Huddleston has licen arrested.