CUSH MAY GOME.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 May 1922, Page 5

CUSH MAY GOME.

DANGER IN IRELAND. “VERY CRITICAL.” WILL TREATY SURVIVE? By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received May 11, 10.10 p.m. London, May 11. Ireland engrossed the prolonged attention of the House of Commons, when Mr. Rupert Gwynne (Coalition-Uniou-ist) moved the adjournment to call attention of the failure of the British Government to release three British officers kidnapped at Macroon on April 22. Mr. Gwynne denounced the treaty as a failure, and demanded that the Government should reconsider its policy. Field-Marshal Sir Henry Wilson urged that members of Cabinet be sent to Ireland to investigate for themselves. The whole world beheld a manifestation of incompetence, which would surely bear fruit elsewhere. The Empire demanded to be told why British troops were still in Southern Ireland, and at whose request.

Mr. Austen Chamberlain (Leader of the House) replied in a speech of the greatest gravity, and the House was tense in an electric atmosphere. The speech was puctuated by a series of dramatic interruptions. Mr. Chamberlain claimed that the Government had done their best to trace the officers, b'ut had failed. General Sir Nevil Macready visited Cork and interviewed representatives of both parties, who promised to attempt to unravel the mystery, which remained a mystery. Mr. Chamberlain continued: “The troops, who are being evacuated in an orderly manner, are concentrated at Cork and Dublin, and surely it would be unwise at this stage absolutely to evacuate these positions? The real issue raised in this debate is; whether we should declare the treaty ended and again assume the whole responsibility for law and order in Southern Ireland.” He felt profoundly the fact that outrages were being committed, but he begged the House to remember the larger issues and fix their eyes on the results which yet might be attained “We must consult our heads as well as our hearts, and we do not yet abandon hope,” he added. (Cheers). He said the Provisional Government had shown an earnest desire to prevent outrages a»d purfish the offenders. He agreed that they had not yet acquired the necessary ability, but they were operating under most difficult circumstances. He believed that if given time the Provisional Government would fully establish its authority, but they could not do so immediately. Field-Marshal Sir Henry Wilson: “In the meantime vou are responsible.” Mr. Chamber fain: “Yes, and my responsibility covered actions endorsed by the great majority of members of this House.” (Cheers and interruptions). Continuing, Mr. Chamberlain said: “We may be on the eve of a very critical situation, which may result in a real clash at any moment in Ireland.” The motion was lost by an overwhelming majority.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FAILURE TG AGREE. London, May 10. The Dail Eireann peace committee failed to find a basis for agreement. ANOTHER BANK ROBBERY. Received May 11, 9.35 p.m. London, May 10. Six armed men held up the staff and customers at the Falls Road branch of the National Bank at Belfast and stole £250, though a military patrol was within two hundred yards.