PEACE IN ULSTER.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 March 1922, Page 5

PEACE IN ULSTER.

NEW STEPS TAKEN TERRORS OF BELFAST. MOVE TO RESTORE ORDER. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, March 14. The Ulster Parliament opened to-day. The King’s Speech promised measures conferring on the Government such additional powers as are necessary for the prevention of crime, the preservation of peace and the maintenance of order. Field-Marshal Sir H. Wilson has agreed to proceed to Belfast to assist in restoring order. Received March 15, 9.30 p.m. London, March 14. Sir James Craig (Premier of Ulster), speaking in the Ulster Parliament, said the Government attitude on the boundaries question had not been altered; they could not consent to any change of the boundaries fixed by the 1920 Act. They must recognise the> fortitude of the people of Ulster in face of ©revocation, and he said the nearest approach to the conditions in Belfast were those on the Rand. He pledged his word that whatever scheme FieldMarshal Sir Henry Wilson recommended would be carried out regardless of cost or consequences.

Sir James Craig opposed the suggestion of martial law, as he felt instinctively that if the conduct of the city’s affairs were handed over to the military, who were controlled through Dublin from Westminster, it would mean a return to the old chaos. The new Bill would strengthen the law. It empowered the courts in certain cases to order convicted males to be flogged. The kidnapped people had been released, except the specials arrested at Clones. These could secure their release immediately, but on unacceptable and humiliating terms. They must be released unconditionally.