SABOTAGE CONSPIRACY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 32, 8 February 1939, Page 7

SABOTAGE CONSPIRACY

THE “S PLAN” REVEALED

ALLEGED WORK OF I.R.A. IN ENGLAND COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENT BEFORE BOW STREET COURT [By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright] LONDON, Feb. 6. An “S Plan,” covering a wide field of activity, which is alleged to have been found in possession of Michael O’Shea, a labourer, and which the prosecution asserted was a production of the Irish Republican Army, and, in conjunction with other documents, showed that the I.R.A. was active in England, was mentioned when twelve men charged with conspiracy in connection with the bomb outrages last month appeared at Bow Street. Other accused, in addition to O’Shea and those previously mentioned, are Peter Stuart, signwriter; Michael Preston, no occupation; John Mitchell, garage attendant; and Harold Sutton. The Court was strongly guarded when the accused entered the dock. Mr. G. B. McClure, Prosecuting Counsel, said that two further arrests had been made, one being a person of considerable importance in the organisation. He did not disclose wncre the arrests were made, but intimated these two men would be included in the conspiracy charge.

“The S Plan,” said Mr. McClure, “is comprehensive, and covers every field of public activity. It begins:— ‘ln order to exercise the maximum world effect, a diversion must be carried on when there is no major war or world crisis, but if it is carried on when trouble is anticipated, with jumpiness and nervous expectation by the Government and potential panic by the public, it can be exploited to the full. The beginning of winter apparently is a good time, either October 20 or November 18.”’ Mr. McClure added that the document must’ have been in existence a considerable time before October 20, as it mentioned that an ultimatum was being delivered to England demanding the evacuation of British troops from Ireland. The prosecutor then read the letter, signed by Mr. Patrick Fleming, sent to the Foreign Secretary, demanding the military evacuation of Ireland within four days of receipt. Methods of Propaganda and Action Mr. McClure added that the S plan stated that copies of the ultimatum were also being forwarded to the Scottish and Welsh Nationalists, the Labour Party, the Independent Labour Party, and others. The document went on to discuss methods of propaganda and action. Concerning the latter, it pointed out: While our weakness will reduce actions against military, air, and naval operations to a minimum and sabotage of aeroplane factories and munition works is probably chancy, as they are well guarded, action against the public Services would probably be most effective. Also key industries would be accessible, with a view to crippling re-armament. Action against other industries and commerce is possible, although the reaction might render the latter inexpedient, while “the large circulation of the English Press” would be the last target.” Mr. McClure explained that the document also referred to “incendiary

unit Number 1,” while the method of attacking pillar-boxes was also dealt with. Telephones, telegraphs, broadcasting, electricity, and methods of secretly depositing explosives were also referred to, cloakrooms constituting the first objective for incendiarism under the heading of transport, recalling the recent tube explosions. Continuing, the prosecutor said that other documents referred to plans for explosions affecting electric cables. The S plan referred to “moral sabotage,” concerning which it suggested securing stocks of Government stationery and rubber stamps to enable the counre’feiting of official instructions. It addeo: Our men might even join precautionary units such as the A.R.P. to secure an air of respectability so as to cloak their activities and gain an insight into the precautions. England cannot organise for war without a national register, and accordingly its prevention should be easy by burning depots where returns are sent. Telegrams Decoded A telegram among the documents read: “Carry out the first operations at 6 a.m. on January 16,” which, Mr. McClure commented, was the date of the first explosions. The telegram added, “When clock-mines are used, see that they explode at a given time. No excuse for failure will be taken.” A further telegram from Lindsay, apparently a person of authority, said, “Cease operations until further notice. Will communicate shortly. Congratulations, January 20.” The telegrams were coded, but the key was found among the documents. Mr. McClure added that balloons were constantly mentioned, stores ol

which are located in every area. When Stuart was arrested, the articles in his possession included a thousand rubber balloons, in addition to 39 sticks of gelignite. Wharton had 103 balloons. The prosecutor pointed out that balloons were ignited at Coventry yesterday. He added: “Letters in O’Shea's possession included one signed with the initials P.S., which are Peter Stuart's. The writer calls himself operations officer in Britain. The letter emphasised the need for success in 'battalion’s operations,’ but the recipient was entitled to call off an operation and suggest an alternative if operators were likely to be arrested or civilians killed. A letter from Dublin gave the names of volunteers living in Britain.” All the accused were remanded.

The letter referred to above, signed by Mr. Patrick Fleming, as secretary, on behalf of the "Government” and the Army Council of the 1.R.A., declared:—“The British forces are an active incitement to turmoil and civil strife, being both the symbol of hostile occupation and potential invaders. We will regret if this fundamental condition is ignored, and we are compelled to intervene actively in the military and commercial life of your country as your Government is now intervening in ours. The Government of the Irish Republic believes that four days is suflicient for your Government to signify its intentions regarding military evacuation and issue a declaration of abdication respecting Ireland. Our Government reserves the right to take appropriate action upon the expiration of this period of grace if the conditions are not fulfilled.” GELIGNITE SEIZED 15 TRUCKS FULL ATTACKS ON POLICEMEN AERODROME INCIDENTS Received Feb. 7, 5.5 p.m. LONDON. Feb. 6. A police raid at Ilford resulted in the seizure of fifteen trucks full of gelignite and a quantity of Irish Republican Army literature. Two bombs are reported to have been discovered near the hangars and the petrol store at the flying school at Rochester. A policeman who stopped to question two men was attacked and slashed across the face. A policeman who challenged a man at Hendon aerodrome was similarly assaulted. So far no foreign comment on the bombing has reached London.

THREATENED DESTRUCTION

BOW STREET POLICE COURT. 60 POLICEMEN ON GUARD. HOLIDAY CAMP DESTROYED. Received Feb. 7, 6.5 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 6. “My name is Riley and I am going to blow the Police Court 'sky high,’” was a telephone message received at ißow Street Police Court while charges i relating to bombing outrages were being heard. Over 60 policemen guarded and 'searched the building, but nothing happened. A Cardiff newspaper similarly received threats that its offices would be blown up. Incendiarism was suspected at a big holiday camp at Skegnes, where a concert hall and beer -irden were burnt.