THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 April 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

UNITED SERVICE TELEGRAMS. DE VALERA’S ATTITUDE. LONDON, April 14. Air de Valera, in an interview, explained his objections to the present regime in {lreland. He said: —“The Army of the Irish Republic has now reverted definitely to its former inde-i pendent status.’’ Asked for any alternative to the present state of affairs, he suggested that the Rail Eirealm, as the Government of the Irish Republic, should continue its functions until the votes' of the people are liken in the electons. In the interim an Irish Executive which would command respect from all could easily be selected, and made responsible to the Dail Eireann.

He added:—“l am definitely opposed to a neutralised military foitxj) which might he made the instrument of a tyrannical executive, and used for political purposes. I approve of the suppression of the English Courts, as they have been superseded by the Courts of the Republic, which still exists.”

IRISH REPUBLICANS’ STEP. LONDON, April 15

The Irish Republicans have seized and fortified the Four Courts and the holed adjacent. They state it is for the headquarters of the Irish Republican Army, which is independent of the De Valeraites, and prepared to fight and die for the Irish Republic. NEW YORK, April 14. The “Chicagod Tribune’s” London correspondent states he learns that fast concentration of irregular troops is proceeding in Dublin over the week-end detachments coming from Cork, Limerick-. Tipperary, and also from Glasgow and Manchester. Houses throughout the. suburbs are being commandeered. Tbe irregulars have seized buildings on the quays, covering the entrance to the port. x LONDON, April 15. Commander O’Connor, Commandant of the Republican forces, in an interview, stated his forces were independent of the De Valeraites. He said he would not recognise any agreement l eached by the party leaders at the conference. His men stood for—and they acre prepared to die for—The Irish Republic. They would not permit any Government to replace the republic. The only means of averting civil war, lie said, was to cancel the treaty, which lie realised would mean war with England; but that must come, sooner or later.

Ireland’s chances, he said, were now better than they would be four or five

ear's hence

A CRITIC’S VIEWS. LONDON, April 15. Air Stephen Glynn writes in the

‘■Observer”— O’Connor is well aware the Provisional Government will not attempt to dislodge him rrom Dublin courts, because the Government doss not possess artillery. Any suggestion to obtain artillery would give the an-ti-treatv supporters a pretext to rouse a scream that Collins is bringing back tli British Army to destroy the Irish Republicans. The real objective of tbe mutineers is to force the Provisional .Government to seek armed assistance from England. The omission to invito the O’Connor section to the CollinsPe Valera conference lends further significance to the Dublin coup. Tlie omission ignored the realities of the situa. lion. As everything indicates de Valera has been superseded. Meanwhile the conference does not neet till Wednesday.

IRISH HAPPENINGS. Received This Dnv at 8 a.m.)

LONDON, April 16,

Rebels determinedly attacked Alountjoy prison early on Sunday After two hours fighting they were driven off by regular Free State troops Dublin presents an amazing picture. While rebel and regular armed "forces patrol the streets and guard most of the prominent public buildings and railway stations, the amenities of social life proceed gaily and undisturbed particularly dancing sport theatres and cinemas. Nevertheless everyone realises the volcanic character of the situation, which may momentarily develop along tlie most sinister lines.

SLIGO HELD UP. LONDON, April 17. A mystery envelopes Sligo, which is m rebel hands since Saturday. They cut the wires, commandeered telephones, trenched and barricaded the streets and no one allowed to enter or leave. Air Griffith left Dublin on Saturday, to keep an appointment to speak at Sligo, defying- the rebel prohibition. He was traced to Carrickshannon, but lias not been heard of since.

LONDON, April 17

Air Griffith reached Sligo and spoke, guarded by fifty regulars, who previously bad a conflict with Republicans in the streets.