IRISH REBELS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 April 1922, Page 5

IRISH REBELS.

BEFORE THE STORM. CRITICAL POSITION. DUBLIN PUZZLE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received April 17, 7.30 p.m. London, April 16. Rebels determinedly attacked Mountjoy prison early on Sunday, but after a two hours’ fight they were driven off by the regular Free State troops. Dublin presents an amazing picture. While rebel and regular armed forces patrol the streets and guard most of the prominent public buildings ana railway stations, the amenities, of social life proceed gaily and undisturbed, particularly dancing, sport, the theatres nnd cinemas. Nevertheless, everyone ealises the volcanic character of the situation, which may momentarily dei velop along most sinister lines. Mystery envelopes Sligo, which has • been, in rebel hands since Saturday. I They cut the wires, commandeered tne j telephones, trenched and barricaded streets, and no one is allowed to enter or leave. Mr. Griffith left Dublin on Saturday to keep an appointment to speak at Sligo, defying the rebel prohibition. He has been traced to Carrick Shannon, but has not been heard of since. Received April 17, 7.65 i p.m. London, April 17. Mr. Griffith reached Sligo and spoke. He was guarded by fifty regulars, who had previously had a conflict with Republicans in the streets. ; THE REBEL FORCE. ITS FOOTING IN DUBLIN. Received April 17, 7 p.m. London, April 15, Mr. Stephen Glynn writes in the Observer: O’Connor (Commander of the republican forces) is well aware that the Provisional Government will not attempt to dislodge him from the Dublin Courts, because the Government does not possess artillery, and any suggestion to obtain artillery would give the anti-treaty supporters a pretext to raise a scream that Mr. Collins is bringing back the British army to destroy the Irish republicans. The real objective of the mutineers is to force the Provisional Government to seek armed assistance from England.

Omission to invite the O’Connor section to the Collins-de Valera conference lends further significance to the Dublin coup. The omission ignored the realities of the situation, as everything indicates that de Valera has been superseded. Meanwhile the conference does not meet till Wednesday. —United Service.