THE IRISH PACT.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 June 1922, Page 5

THE IRISH PACT.

CONFERENCE DEADLOCK. GRAVE SITUATION. POLICY OF PATIENCE. IV By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received May 31, 5.5 p.m. London, May 30. According to the Daily Chronicle, the conversations between the Government and the Sinn Feiners have resulted in a deadlock. Mr. Winston Churchill to-day will point out the gravity of the situation. The Government stands for the treaty, which the Free Staters claim has not been violated by their pact, but obviously it is, as the June elections arranged under the pact are not the elections perscribed by the treaty. The deadlock for the moment is complete, though the Government will again discuss the issues with the Irishmen. Britain, considers it is undesirable to precipitate a crisis by any hasty action, and will exercise the patience shown during the negotiations for peace. If the Free Staters show no spirit of compromise, a crisis cannot be delayed beyond the June elections.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

WARFARE ON ULSTER BORDER, THE POPULACE IN FLIGHT. Received May 31, 5.5 p.m. London, May 30. Open warfare continues on the Ulster border between Free Staters and Ulsterites. The former are preparing for a general advance on Strebane and Derry. Ulster specials held up traffic between Strebane and Lifford. Rifle fire in the Streban streets was heard for miles. The populace is fleeing, and business houses are closed. Many houses in Lifford were sacked, the I.R.A. sending heavy reinforcements. The Clady bridge was blown up by bombs. Kidnapping of Unionists in country districts continues. FIGHTING NEAR LONDONDERRY. London, May 30. Heavy firing at Strabane and Lifford (South of Londonderry) continues, with sniping from houses. Armoured cars and machine-guns are in action. Itis reported that the casualties are heavy. Mr. Churchill, in the House of Commons, stated that the Government had no hope that the officers kidnapped at Macroon were alive, and had so informed their relatives. He would make his Irish statement on Wednesday. A BATTERY FOR ULSTER. London, May 30. A battery of artillery from England passed through Belfast en route to an inland Ulster town. PARLIAMENT SUMMONED. London, May 30. The Provisional Government in Dublin has issued a proclamation summoning Parliament to meet in Dublin on July 1. MUNITIONS FACTORIES. London, May 30. Replying to questions in the House of Commons, Mr- Churchill said that if munition factories were working in Dublin it was within the rights of the Provisional Government, but he agreed that if manufacturing was on a great scale it would be a matter for serious consideration. He had suspended supplies of munitions from England as from the date of the de Valera-Collins agreement. (Cheers.)