THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Reuter’s telegrams

ItEPUHLJCAX RETREAT. LONDON, July 18

The Free State trunps are sweeping all before them in the southwest of Ireland. There was an outstanding success at Clonmel, where the rebels have seL fire to their b: rraeks, and are no.v in full retreat, without awaiting the arrival ilf the Free State troops, though Clonmel was a Bepublican Field General’s headquarters, and the first revolt under Sriomas Robinson, a Member of the Dai! Eircann, began there,

Free state captures, LONDON, July 18

Reports from Jfohtbd states the Free Staters, to date, have captured two thousand retiels. The fact that this has been accomplished with a very small Free State loss is gravely impairing the Bepublican morale. The following order, signed by a Bepublican leader, was found in possession of prisoners taken at Kilkenny yesterday:—

“Commandeer labour, and work day and night to make roads impassable. The man who does not obey must receive the extreme penalty. You are at liberty to inflict same.”

A force of Irregulars ambushed a Free Staters’ cyclist patrol at Glenties, in Donegal. One cyclist was shot deed. The others drove off the attackers.

Free State troops Surprised Irregular guards at a camp in County Louth, and liberated eighteen kidnapped Ulstermen, comprising men in all walks of life. Mr Churchill, in the House of Com--11 onh, staled that armed men were reported to have forcibly removed the wir less equipment from a British vessel in Waterford Harbour, and to have then returned and kidnapped tile wireless op'Patoi*. The Free State Government, however, were taking steps ty defeat the consequences of the seizure. rind to prevent ii repetition. 1 atest ahcmilits show the Rebels still hold important positions in Limerick. They are also endeavouring to retain their hold on Waterford, but it is believed they are evacuatign Tipperary.

_ A doctor and three women found in Bed Cross station at Bitltinglass gave their word of honour that no arms or ammunition were concealed in the building, but a search revealed a bag of grenades. It was then found that olie of the women was carrying papers lie] ngitig to a rebel leader. Another had ammunition concealed in her clothes. The Duke of Leinster lias arrived at Kingstown and has offered his services to the Nationalist Army.