THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCi-ftON. A BLOODLESS OCCUPATION. LONDON, Juno 8. The occupation of Beleek was bloodless. When troops were sniped at, the artillery sent a couple of shells in direction of a fort outside the ' town. When the troops entered, the Republicans had withdrawn into Donegnl. Four of the outgoing pro-Treaty. members, representing Dublin sity were re-elected unopposed, British troops occupied Belleek,

A TOAvN,ATT.k;KEtb,. LONDON, June A wide converging movement on land and sea ended by the British to-day capturing Beleek. A force consisting of South Staffords, Lincolns, and Mnnchesters supported by Howitzers and numerous armoured cars inarched on both sides of Lough Erne whose waters Were dotted with numerous small craft of Ulster’s little navy, carrying stores. Aeroplanes which were reconnoitring the position reported the town was sparsely occupied. Verey lights showed the British were being attacked, whereupon artillery opened fire and captured the fort and thereafter occupied the town.

MORE OUTRAGES. LONDON, June 8. Two brothers named McCann were taken from bed in Antrim and shot, one mortally. A special constable was arrested.

. USE OF BRITISH FORCE. LONDON, June 8. Tile advance of British troops 8S Beleek was made in «fnil. fighting kit with Lewis guns and artillery and . strong patrols screens Were pushed - ahead. Similar operations are taking place on Pettfgo front with a view to converging rit a lake lying between the f ices. Aeroplanes are also engaged. ROATBARDAIKNT WITH HOAVITZERS. LONDON, June 8; .

The action at Belleek was supported by a number of '4.sin field howitzers, which fired 22 explosive shells into the Sinn Fein positions; The bombardment lasted for an hour; Three hundred British troops wer6 engaged on the chief objective; which was a fort a short distance inside the Irish Free State, which dominated Beleek. Six hits were registered .oh this fort, fouf- shells exploding lmt the Sinn Feiners apparently had already fled at the commencement of the attack.

The Colonial Office, in its communique on Ulster fighting states:—The British troops have completed operations and hare cleared a triangle. Unless the troops in the present position are attacked, they will make no further advance. The British Government intends to withdraw its forces within the Ulster territory directly that pt is satisfactorily assured that 1,0 repetition of incursions is likely, and it- is addressing the Provisional Government with this purpose. •