THE IRISH PROBLEM

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM

REUTER’S TELEGRAMS. TO RESTORE ORDER, LONDON, March 14. Field Marshal Wilson has agreed to proceed to Belfast to assist to restore order

ULSTER’S POSITION. LONDON, March 14 Sir James Craig, speaking in the Lister Parliament, said: “The Ulster Government's attitude on the -.boundaries question lias not altered.” They could not consent (lie said) to any cnange of the boundary. As fixed by the 1020 Act. They must recognise the fortitude of the people of Ulster in the face of provocation. The nearest approach to the conditions in Belfast now wete those on the Band. He said he would pledge his word that whatever scheme General W ilson recommended would be carried out, regardless of the cost or the consequences.

Sir James Craig opposed the suggestion of martial law. He said lie felt instinctively that if conduct of the ,-ity affairs were handed over to the military, who would *be controlled through Dublin front -Westminster, they could return to the old chaos. He announced a new bill that would strengthen the law as it empowered the Courts in certain cases, to order convicted males to he flogged. The kidnapped people, be added, had been released, except the specal constables arrested by the I.R.A. at Clones. These also could secure reimmediately, but it was on unacceptable humiliating terms. They must be released unconditionally, he declared " j