IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 October 1922, Page 7

IRELAND.

REBELS RULE KERRY’. DIFFICULTIES OF FREE STATERS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Sept. 28. The Belfast correspondent of the Daily Telegraph states that the Free Staters have been unable to achieve much in Kerry beyond the occupation of some of the more important towns. The population largely favors the Irregulars, so the Free Staters are pinned to their barracks and cannot leave safely in parties of fewer than 100. Even the barracks are continually harassed by snipers. Irregulars in columns several hundred strong can move among the hills in full view with complete impunity, and vessels reach the coast with arms and supplies for the Irregulars. Peaceful trading ships are frequently attacked and robbed of cargo. A shipload of petrol was unloaded at Tralee, while a strong attack on the Free Staters rendered them powerless to intervene.

It is estimated that 8000 Free Staters will be required to control the county. The Irregulars number 3000. Free Staters scouring the country discovered several fine motor-cars Ballinro'be, in Mayo; they comprised the Republicans’ transport and included a magnificent automobile stolen from Lord Ypres.

The Irregular 1 prisoners in Cork gaol are hunger-striking. They refused to return to their cells after parade and when force was used the prisoners wrecked the cells. Finally a volley was fired, killing one prisoner and wounding another. Order was then restored. The Republicans outside added to the confusion by sniping the prison. Mr. Cosgrave, speaking in the Dail, laid down the terms on which the rebels, even at this late hour, may secure peace. The Government was prepared for peace, but not for an armed truce. The rebels could have- peace after the surrender of all arms. He said: “This is the people’s Parliament which can be generous, but must be just.” The Government, at the same session, asked for powers to establish military courts empowered to inflict capital punishment in extreme cases of attacks on Government forces, incendiarism, looting, unauthorised possession of arms, ammunition and certain kinds of explos-

Mr. Cosgrave’s motion was approved in principle; the details will be considered later.