TREASON LAW IN EIRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 34, 10 February 1939, Page 7

TREASON LAW IN EIRE

MORE UP TO DATE TWO BILLS INTRODUCED DEALING WITH "CERTAIN ORGANISATIONS” t British Official Wireles: J Received Feb. 9, 5.5 p.m. RUGBY, Feb. 8. The Eire Minister o£ Justice, Mr. Patrick Ruttledge, according to Dublin reports, asked for leave in the Dail to-day to introduce a measure bringing up to date the present treason law, and a measure entitled the Offences Against the State Bill. The latter, according to these reports, proposes to make provision in relation to actions and conduct calculated to undermine public order and the authority of the State, and for that purpose provides for the punishment of persons guilty of offences against the State; to regulate and control, in the public interest, the formation of associations; to establish special criminal courts under Article 38 of the Constitution; and to provide for the constitution, powers and jurisdiction of such courts. Article .38 of the Eire Constitution authorises the setting up of courts to try certain criminal cases without juries. Leave to introduce the Bills was granted by 79 votes to 8 after Mr. Ruttledge had said that the Eire Government had,decided on the Bills because it was known that powers were needed to deal with certain organisations. He is reported as having referred to an Irish Republican Army proclamation issued in Dublin on December 8, when a certain body purported to hold itself out as a Government. Mr. Ruttledge added that Eire could not tolerate that. The Bills introduced to-day were forecast in Mr. de Valera’s speech the Senate last night. In England to-day two other men were charged in the courts in connection with the recent bombing oulrages and were remanded.