IRELAND

Southland Times, Issue 18823, 17 May 1920, Page 5

IRELAND

AUTHORITIES PLANNING DECISIVE ACTION. SENSATIONAL REPORTS DENIED. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (United Service.) LONDON, May 14. (Received May 16, 5.5 p.m.) A Dubin Castle bulletin states that fifty Irish police barracks were destroyed on the night of May 12. Over twenty Income Tax offices were attacked, and books and documents were seized. Several courthouses were also attacked. Eighteen further police barracks and five Income Tax offices were destroyed by fire on May 14, explosives being used. The Maynooth Town Hall was amongst the buildings destroyed on May 14. A party of armed men surrounded Cashel courthouse, saturated the building with petrol, and set it on fire, completely detsroying the premises. The police barracks at Carrickburg were blown up. The Dungaven Post Office was raided and letters seized. It is reported in Dublin that General Sir Nevil Macready’s new plans, to cope with lawlessness will be based on Lord Kitchener’s methods of dealing with guerilla tactics in the Boer War, including a network of ' blockhouses manned by troops equipped with machine guns. The report is not confirmed. Perhaps it has arisen through the announcement that the police will be afforded military protection on a wide scale. Sir Nevil Macready has announced that the Cabinet has agreed to largely increase the garrison in Ireland, and these reinforcements are proceeding there immediately. The Evening News says an official denial is given to sensational reports from Dublin that General Neil Macready’s plans include the establishment of 100 blockhouses, strongly garrisoned, implying that a virtual reconquest of Ireland is intended. The Government, however, have decided to greatly increase military activities in the outlying districts where the Sinn Feiners are usurping local authority.