IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 September 1920, Page 8

IRELAND.

McSWEENEY'S CASE. ! GOVERNMENT STAND FIRM. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Sept- 5. Mr. Bonar Law, replying to the Labor Party for the release of MeSweeney, says he was arrested while actively conducting the affairs of a rebel organisation under cover of a mayoral court. Had he been taken at his word and dealt with as an avowed rebel, according to the universal practice of civilised nations, he would, in view of the circumstances, have been liable to be immediately shot. After referring to the details of the trial, the efforts to secure Jiis release, and the murders and outrages in Ireland during his imprisonment, Mr. Bonar Law added: "The Government fully realised how large a part sentiment | plays in all human affairs. Greatly as the Government sympathises with those who desire to see peace and order restored :n Ireland, they cannot take a course which, as the Prime 'Minister said, would inevitably lead to a complete breakdown of the whole machinery of law and Government." The policy of the Government had been made clear from the outset and, if the Lord Mayor died in prison, the responsibility would rest in some degree upon those who, by repeated appeals, had encouraged the belief that the Government would prove \insincere in their determination and tho hope that, notwithstanding all declarations to the contrary, McSweeney's misguided action would lead eventually to his release. Mr. Bonar Law added that the condition of MeSweeney was unchanged.— Reuter. FRIENDLY ACT BY FRANCE. London, Sept. 6. The French Government asked Mr. Gavan Duffy to leave France because he communicated to ('•« French newspapers a letter ho wrote to M. Millerand urging intercession with Mr. Lloyd George in favor of MeSweeney, and also because of his refusal to discontinue his anti-British policy.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. [A Paris cable dated September 4 said: The Government has expelled Mr. Gavan Duffy, who is the son of the late Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, and the sotalled Sinn Fein Ambassador to France.] TO INFLUENCE AMERICA. New York, Sept G. The Loyal Coalition of Irishmen in Boston telegraphed to the Congressional committee at Chicago to investigate the report that the Dail Eirann (Sinn Fein Parliament) had appropriated 1,500,000 dollars to influence the American presidential elections and obtain recognition for Ireland as a Republic.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MANUFACTURED SORROW. London, Sept. 0. The Trade Union Congress at Portsmouth, at which nearly 1000 dele,sates were present, adopted a resolution by acclamation that members view witii sorrow and indignation the Government's decision regarding MeSweeney.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.