LIVERPOOL’S DEMAND FOR IRISH PRISONERS’ RELEASE.

New Zealand Tablet, 10 April 1919, Page 38

LIVERPOOL’S DEMAND FOR IRISH PRISONERS’ RELEASE.

At an Irish mass meeting recently in Liverpool in the Picton Hall (and also at a vast overflow meeting on the Wellington Plateau) a resolution, proposed by Councillor P. J. Kelly and seconded by Mr. Gavan Duffy, M.P., was passed, demanding the unconditional release of the Irish men and women imprisoned because they declare for self-determination, in spite of the fact that the Government have repeatedly approved similar action by the leaders of other nationalities. ■ Mr. Jas. Moran, I.N. Foresters, presided. There was a large gathering of clergy and public men. A crowd of American soldiers and sailors, ascending the platform, were vehemently cheered. Mr. Gavan Duffy said that for the first time coercion in Ireland had to be carried on under the eyes of international spectators. The British Government was forced either to surrender to the Irish demand or adopt a policy of open and definite coercion. If she decided for the latter course, she would have to repent at her leisure. Compact bodies of men singing “The Soldier’s Song” demonstrated a remarkable growth of Sinn Fein in Liverpool. The American Embassy in London returned a resolution demanding the release of the Irish prisoners (copy of -which was addressed by the Trim Guardians to President WilsoiD, saying that messages could only be transmitted by the Embassy if received through the British Foreign Secretary. The clerk said he had com-

municated with the Foreign Secretary, but got no reply. - " • "" ” ‘ ‘' . *