THE IRISH QUESTION.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3409, 13 February 1920, Page 5

THE IRISH QUESTION.

INTERVIEVV VVITH PRESIDENT. OF THE IRISH REPUBLIC.

THE SINN FE-IN ‘VIEW-POINT.

DEFINITELY LAID DOVVN.

Received 9.35 a.m

LONDON, Feb. 11.

The Australi*a.n Press Association representative had an exclusive interview with Mr Gritfiths, Acting~President of the so-called Irish Republic. Griffiths declared that seventy-five per cent of urban bodies in Ireland had recognised the Republic, and all corporations except Belfast had elected Mayors, but refused to elect sheriffs, because the ’final choice of these ‘officials rests with the British Government. ‘He bitterly complained of the conduct of the Irish Cuiistabiilary, who were not policemen in the ordinary sense, but men armed with guns, bayonets, and bombs, living in fortified barracks, whose business was 10 hold Ireland for the British. Mr Lloyd George was under a wrong impression in suggesting that the people of Ireland went in danger of their lives. There had always been a remarkable absence of robberies, sex, and other crimes in Ireland, until ex-soldiers were returned. In order -to deal with these crimes the Sinn Fein had appointed local Vigilance Committees, and these committees were investigating and were successfully coping with the situation until raided and suppressed by the Constabulary; Mr Grifliths added, angrily: “We are not going to deno’='t‘lnce anyone who resorts to violent action into which they are goaded by acts of “Government.”

Dealing with the British viewpoint, that a hostile Ireland -on her flank would constitu‘t'e a danger -to the country, Griffiths Said: “If Ireland ‘is, as stated, the key to the Atlantic, it can only mean that Ireland is used as a menace to America. -So far aslwe are concerned, we will always be hostile ito England u-ntil we are free. We have no reason to be hostile to any country which does not threaten our independence. The security of Europe, America, and the world demands the independence of Ireland.” In response to close questioning by the Association represemastive, Mr Griffiths said that he was. not prepared to make any offer regarding any pos~ sible basis of agreeinentg he agreed that England’s physical possession of Ireland was a fact, but Ireland could not offer guarantees in substitulion for this; they would willingly, however, discuss application of‘-.1 Monroe Doetrine Doctrine to~lreland if »in<lepe-n----dence were promised. He did not contemplate any action before ‘the League of Nations, which he regarded as being under the thumb of England. There had been no recent approach by _the British Government ‘to find a way out ‘of the Impassec, and he could not anticipate what the Sinn Fein action would be if a ‘Parliament were established in Dublin.

Mr McNeil, member of the House of Commons for Londondcrry, who is accompanying Mr Grifliths, replying to a. quegtion as to whether the Sinn Fein policy would be to accept, and to try to improve the Home Rule Act when passed, merely said: “We are entitled to take advantage of any situation created, and to make the best of it. until independence is gained.” He pointed out that a. republic had been erected under English niachinery and was using English machinery through local Councils.”

McNeil added: “Remember America worked out its independence under its English constitutions.” Referring to g-uaranteeg against the use of Ireland by an enemy country, he said he had‘ no guarantees to ofler except good faith, and economic ties, which were the strongest ofL=l.ll. He could not countenance English naval bases in Ireland under the republic. ‘ AN IRISH REPUBLIC. GREAT MEETING IN ALBERT HALL. ,; DTSTURBERS PROMPTLY EJECTED Received 9.0 a.m. ' LONDON, Feb. 12. Mr Griifiths was the principal speaker at a crowded meeting in the Albert Hall, convened for the purpose of demanding recognition for the Irish RePublic. Disturbances began when thechairman said that England was the only country opposing the recognition, and 3. man was ejected. After further disturbances the chairman announced that he had appointed 250 trained stewards to deall with any disturbances. The speaker then moved the resolution demanding the recognition. Disorder increased. the stewards att‘3mPtinß' t 0 quell the inferruptions, and a. free fight continfied until the interruptors were ejected.

A BRILLIANT SPEEOH.

A STATESM'AN’S EFFORT.

HOW TO FIGHT ANARCHY.

FIGHT WITH ABUNDANCE. PREMIER LOUDLY CHEERED_ IN THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT. Received 9.45 am. LONDON, Feb. 12. Mr Lloyd George, in the Commons, added. Europe needed What Russia could give. He summarised ‘he pmdigious Russian exports of sta.p'le‘r.~'.— quirements before the war. High prices ruled, even starvation and hunger ranged over Europe, while cornbins in Russia were bulging with bread. But necessary transport must be organised, and this was not procurable while contending armies are traversing the European borders. The Permier concluded gravely: “Conditions in Europe are Sc.-rious, dangers are not all in Russia, th- y are here at Home. I speak with knowledge, with appreheslcn. I warn the House there is only one way to light things that may .’l.a_ppen; we n.u:.+ fight anarchy with abut.-r.’.m.-:‘;e.’r‘ (Loud cheers.) HUNGARY WANTS FIGHT. OFFERS TO FIGHT BOLSHEVIKS. Received 9.25 a.m. PARIS, Feb. 11. Hungary is offering the Peace Con. ference to provide six hundred thousand men to fight the Bolsheviks if the Allies will equip them. THE SCHLESWV3 PLF‘«£-="-;:';' -‘E.

LARGELY FAVOURS DENMARK. Received 9.25 2:. ‘.ll. COPE::»Ii1 -:\v'3E:l, Feb. I I. Progress reports of the plebiscite Schleswig show that 75 per cent. fa~ vour Denmark, which greatly exceeds expectation-s-.