THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

.USIKAI.I-'Oi AMJ tI.Z. CAllLfc ABSOCIAUU.'I DE VALEIIA INTERVIEWED. LONDON, September 11. The Manchester “Evening News” Dublin correspondent had an exclusive interview with De Valera, who appeared fn good health and discussed the military and political situation unreservedly. He expressed himself still opposed to the Treaty in its present form, and suggested a revision could bo obtained if men of goodwill set themselves to the task. Unless the Treaty were revised there would be a violent political agitation timnoil. in one form or another for many years, which would mean a continuance of tlie impossible relations with England, which had resulted in the present war. Ulster wa s an Irish domestic question and must be settled in Ireland by representatives of tliosu concerned. The Treaty meant the coercion of the south and a large part of tlie north. Summing up, be said; nobody gains by the war, all is loss. MEMORIAL SERVICE IN LONDON. LONDON. September 11. The Bishop of Southwark celebrated a Pontilicinl Requiem Mass in memory of the late Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith (late heads of the .Irish Freo State Government) in Southwark Cathedral. The mass was attended by over 11000. The catafalque was placed over the spot where Messrs Collins. Griffiths and De Valera knelt, side by side, a few mouths ago. at the time when they were in London to discuss the Irish Treaty. Mr Lloyd George .sent- a representative to the mass.

GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION 'LONDON, September 11.

The Colonial Office officially denies that there is any justification for the suggestion that the Irish Provisional Government’s determination to carry out tlio treaty aiul to restore law and order, is the result of any bargaining with the British Government whereby Britain will pay' for the damage that was done in Ireland during the civil war.

The Colinial Office states that the Trisli Provisional Government has made no such request, nor would the British Government agree to it if it were made.

rebels INTERRUPT RAILWAYS

LONDON, September 11

Some rebels blew up four bridges north of Dundalk, isolating the entiro northern half of the country.

Fifty armed men held up a railway ganger at Falcarrah, seicxd liis tools, and tore up rails for several hundred feet. The gangor, however, ran along the track and (lagged back a crowded excursion traiii which stopped beforo reaching the damaged permanent way. RENEWING P. AND T. SERVICES. LONDON, September 11. The Free State Government is maintaining restricted postal and telephonic services with Dublin. It has troops posted in the post office and telephone exchange. These fired over the heads of pickets, who immediately withdrew. Ulster is not affected.