THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 April 1922, Page 3

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

UNITED SERVICE TELEGRAMS. CONDITIONS IN IRELAND. A STARTLING PICTURE. LONDON, April 9. The Belfast correspondent of the Um ionist London paper, the “Daily Express,” paints a startling picture of the conditions in Ireland. He asserts that southwards of the Ulster border, he has examined specimens pf Bolshevik propaganda, with which, he says, the Republicans are busy. The most popular text book being the “Communist Internationale.” On the border, communications have ended, except between the rebels. Refugees declare that, the Government has ceased, and justice does not function, while life is not valued. The energy of the countryside is stated to be now absorbed in the creation of the Irish Republican Army and in the manufacture- of war material The workers have deserted jobs, and are also deserting offices, shops and farms, and are joining the rebels. Less than half of the land will be cropped during the year 1922. Mr de Valera’s following is daily strengthening. Tt is reported from other sources that the Irish Republicans continue unrelenting in a murder campangn against the Free State. The latest exploit is an alleged conspiracy to kill Mr Michael Collins. When he IVag travelling to Wexford, some rebels renioved rails where the line crosses Avoea River Bridge. The driver made a timely discovery, atl d averted a disaster. Railwnymen who were attempting to repair the line were driven off. The train proceeded on. -Later some other gangs of armed men seized the driver at- Ennscorthy, and carried him off in a cal’. Another train was held up at Churchill. Armed men seized a consignment of bread aboard, Saying that the troops must be fed. Four trains weru held up * elsewhere, and merchandise and newspapers were burnt. An ex-policeman was murdered,at Templemore, and Cithers were fired at, and also warned to leave the country on the pain of assassination.

IRISH POSITION. ,'Received This Dar at 9.5 a.m.l LONDON, April 10.

Hon W. Churchill replying to a question in the Commons, said the Governments pledge not to recognise the Trish Republic was still good. * If the situation changed with great suddenness, Government must be trusted to deal with it. He' believed the Provisional Government was doing its utmost to carry oiifc the agreement ending the boycott in Belfast, Thfe Imperial Government could not intervene at the present.