DISCUSSION IN COMMONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 June 1920, Page 5

DISCUSSION IN COMMONS.

MOB LAW PREVAILING.' DUBLIN POSITION GRAVER London, June 23. In the House of Commons, Lieut.-Col-onel W. Ashley (Coalition-Unionist member for Fylde, Lancashire), drawing attention to failure by the Government to maintain order in Ireland, especially in Londonderry and Dublin, said that mob law had prevailed in Deny for seven days. He declared that the situation was unbelievable. The Chief Secretary and Lord Lieutenant, he said, were prisoners in, their own houses, as were officials at Dublin Castle, having to take exercise in their own grounds. The Republicans had established their own post offices. It was useless talking of conciliation with Sinn FeiOers and assassins. He said the only way; to deal with the menace was to declare martial law. Replying,' Mr. Denis Henry, K.C. (At-torney-General for Ireland) repeated Mr. Bonar Law's earlier statement, and said that a battalion of troops had gone to Londonderry and there were two in Belfast ready to proceed to Derry. He admitted that the position in Dublin was very grave, but hoped means would be found to adopt the suggestion to get the assistance of all loyal men, irrespective of party. There had already been a successful attempt along such lines. Troops had been instructed if attacked to treat the attackers as they would an enemy on a field of battle. If they saw armed men approaching, troops must order them to put their hands up, and, in the event of a refusal, they mus? fire. The Constabulary had already been granted increased pay, and arrangements had been made as regards compensation to widows and children. He was assured by those responsible that Ireland had better times in storeThere was every prospect of a speedy improvement. Already there had been a marked reduction in cattle driving,— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.