IRISH BATTLE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 June 1922, Page 5

IRISH BATTLE.

CAPTURE OF BALLEEK, ARTILLERY OPEN FIRE. THE REBELS WITHDRAW. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received June 9, 5.5 p.m. London, June 8. i British troops have occupied the town of Balleek, possession of which has recently caused a sharp encounter between rebels and the British troops. The occupation was bloodless. When the troops were sniped the artillery sent a couple of shells in the direction of the fort outside the town, and when the troops entered they found the Republicans had been withdrawn into Donegal. The advance of the British troops at Belleek was made in full fighting kit, with Lewis guns and artillery. Strong patrols and screens were pushed ahead. Similar operations are taking place on the Pettigo front, with a view to converging on Lough Erne, which lies between the forces. Aeroplanes are also engaged. The action at Belleek was supported by 4.5 howitzers, which fired 22 explosive shells. The bombardment lasted for an hour. Three hundred troops were engaged. The chief objective was the fort a short distance inside the Free State, which dominated Belleek. Six hits were registered on the fort, four exploding inside, but the Sinn Feiners apparently fled at the commencement of the attack. A Colonial Office communique states that the British troops have completed their operations and cleared the triangle, and unless the troops in the present position are attacked they will make no further advance. The British Government intends to withdraw its forces within Ulster territory directly it is satisfactorily assured that no repetition of incursions is likely, and is addressing the Provisional Government with this purpose. TWO BROTHERS SHOT. Received June 9, 5.5 p.m. London, June 8. Four of the outgoing pro-treaty members representing Dublin University were re-elected unopposed. Two brothers named McCann were taken from bed in Antrim and shot, one mortally. A special constable was arrested. ATTACK ON LONDONDERRY. THREAT BY REBELS. London, June 8. More British troops have arrived in Londonderry and both sides of the River Foyle are occupied. There are reported to be large rebel forces on the northern side of Londonderry-Donegal border. They are conscripting Donegal loyalists who believe they will be used to screen a rebel attack on the city. Several thousand rebels, armed with the latest American rifles, are reported to be concentrated at Raphoe. The Star’s Belfast correspondent states that the artillery attack on Pettigo was due to a misunderstanding, Colonel Wilson literally carrying out the order to occupy the town, although three-fourths of it are in the Free State. The peculiarity of the border towns of Pettigo and Belleek is that the former, which is nearly all in Southern Ireland, is loyalist, while the latter, entirely in Ulster, is Catholic to the backbone. Despite the withdrawal of Ulster’s prohibition on exports to Donegal, the Republicans have not relaxed the blockade of Londonderry. All goods destined for Londonderry were removed from trains at the Donegal side of the frontier. Perishable goods worth £lOOO are accumulating at the frontier stations without shelter.