IRISH AFFAIRS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3650, 11 December 1920, Page 5

IRISH AFFAIRS.

THE PEACE NEGOTIATIONS.

IMPORTANT STATEMENT BY ', PREMIER. ORDER" MUST BE MAINTAINED. GOVERNMENT POLICY OUTLINED MARTIAL LAW TO BE PROCLAIMED. TERRORISTS TO BE OUTLAWED. Received 10.50 a.m. LONDON Dec. 10, In the House of Commons Mr Lloyd George said that for the past three weeks the Government had been in touch, with various persons regarding the situation.in Ireland. There had been no real negotaitions but certain people had offered their services to the Government. They had seen both sides and after a very careful study had deicded upon a course to make the Government convinced that the majority of fSSplh rfrr Brefaad- of all sections were anxious for peace and a fair settlement," as was the Government; but he regretfully was convinced that section that was controlling tire policy of murder and violence was not yet ready for peace on ,the basis of the unbroken unity of the United Kingdom. He 'referred to the resolution of the Galway County Council and Urban Councils as welcome signs of a new spirit; Father Flanagan's statement, but Father Flanagan's action had been repudiated by the heads of the organisation responsible for the murders. These men had not' given any indication that they were prepared to surrender on the only terms this country could possibly accept. The Government was determined to do all in its power to break up these more or less organised ' terrorists. There were difficulties in the way>of stronger action, because most of the organised insurgent forces in the South- had taken to the hills, whence they attacked and ambushed the police and intimidated the peasantry, who wero tired of this terrorism. Some wearing captured British uniforms had undoubtedly committed outrages for which the forces of the Crown wore unjustly blamed . To meet all thf.se difficulties, the Government had decided io proclaim martial law in certain areas in the south of Ireland. He hoped the House would not press him at this stage to mention the exact area. All arms and uniforms therein must be surrendered by a certain date to an. officer of the Crown, the police, or the' parish priest; whereafter all unauthorised persons with arms or British uniforms will be treated as rebels and will be liaoTe to be put to death on conviction. He deeply regretted that this course was necessary but the conditions made it absolutely essential. • The Government could not recognise Dail Eireann as a body, but ias individuals. The Government proposed to constitute that the fleeted representatives of the people should be allowed to meet and discuss the new situation; but those guilty of crimes for which they could be prosecuted would not be allowed to attend. He concluded: "We must convince the whple of the people of Ireland that the authority of law and order in the Empire is paramount; but, having established tiat fact, the British Hous<f of Commons and the British nation are willing to parley with the people with a view to the establishment, of peace good-will, and friendship. "