ORGANISED TERRORISTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 December 1920, Page 5

ORGANISED TERRORISTS.

MUST BE BROKEN UP.'

GOVERNMENT'S IRISH POLICY, . London, Dee. 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 negotiations, but certain people had offered their services to the Government and had' seen both sides.

After a very careful study they had decided upon the course to take. The Government was convinced that the majority of people in Ireland of all sections were as anxious for peace and a fair settlement as was the Government, but he was regretfully convinced that the section controlling the policy of murder and violence were not yet ready for peace on the basi9 of the unbroken unity of the United Kingdom. He referred to the resolution of the Gahvay County and the urban councls as welcome signs of a new spirit, and also to Father Flanagan's statement, but Father Flanagan's action had been repudiated by the heads of~the orgaawation responsible for the murders. Mr. Lloyd George said these men had not given any indications 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 Fo 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 were tired of this terrorism. Some, wearing captured British uniforms, had undoubtedly committed outrages for wjjich the forces of the Crown were unjustly blamed.

MARTIAL LAW NECESSARY. To meet all these difficulties the Government had decided to proclaim martial law in certain areas in Southern Ireland. He hoped the House would not press him at this stage to mention the exact area. All arms and uniforms must be surrendered by a certain date to an officer of the Crown, the police or the parish priest. After this all unauthorised persons with arms or British uniform would be treated as rebels and liable to death on conviction.

Mr. Lloyd George deeply regretted that this course was necessary, but the conditions made it absolutely essential. The Government could not recogDail Eireann as a body, or as individuals. The Government proposed that the constitutionally elected representatives of the people should be allowed to meet and discuss the new situation, but those guiltv of crimes for which they could be prosecuted would not be allowed to attend. He concluded: "We must convince the whole people of Ireland that tiic authority of law and order in the Empire is paramount, but, having-established that fact the British House of Commons and the British nation are willing to parley with the people of Ireland with a view to the establishment of peace, goodwill and friendship.

.MARTIAL LAW

EXTENT OP- APPLICATION.

Received Dec. 12, "i.j p.m,

London, Dec. 10.

Official.—Martial law applies to the cities and counties of Cork and Limerick, County Kerry. North and South Ridings of Tipperary. and affects a population of SfIO.OUO. The area is liable to be extended.—Aus. and X.55. Cable Assn.