New-York tribune., 1920-12-11
Double Policy of Death
to Terrorists and Ef.
fort to Reach a Truce
Declared in Commons
Safe Conduct for
\ Sim Fein Chiefs
Immediate Execution To
Be Made Penalty for
Having Arms or Wear
ing Uniform, He Warns
BY Arthur S. Draper


Copyright 1890. New York Tribune Inc.
LONDON, Dec. 10. - Premier Lloyd
George told the House of Commons this
afternoon that the government had de-
cided to put southwest Ireland under
martial law. The proclamation of mar
tial law later was issued at Dublin.
This step, unavoidable since the recent
outrsges, the Premier said, was not
inimical to the cause of peace, with
which the government was in accord, if
& made on the only acceptable basis-a
united Britain.
This first peace move by the govern
ment since the initiation Of repression
"by measures however stern" came i'm
mediately after prayer service on what
ordinarily is the dullest day of the
week in Parliament. Despite the fact
that the sessions of The last two days
had been strenuous. one of them last
ing sixteen hours, an unusually large
number of members was present to
by force, his dual policy of olive
branch and arms.
The proclamation of martial law ex-
tends to four counties, Kerry, Limerick,
Cork and Tipperary. According to the
Premier's declaration, "after a certain
date unauthorized persons found in
possession Of arms in the specified
area will be treated as rebels and will
be liable, on conviction by military
court, to the penalty of DEATH"
Preliminary Steps Taken
st the outset of his address LLOYD
George said the government had been
in touch with peace Intern ediaries,
although it would be an exaggeration
to say that the conversations carried
or reached the standard of nsgotia-
tons"
3 ..The government is conxinesd," con-
tinued the Premier, "that the majority
OF the people in all parts of Ireland are
anxious for peace and for q fair set
tlement. The government, on its side,
Is no less anxious for peace and fair,
lasting settlement"
Loud cheers interrupted the Premier
The government is also. very regret
fully convinced" he went on, that the
party (or sections that control the or
sanization in Ireland for murder and
outrage) is not yet ready for q real
Peace-that is to say, for peace which
IS acceptable to US, concluded on a
basis which preserves the unbroken
sunity of the United Kingdom.
Their communications on the sub
!ect. Of peace have all been conceived
in the spirit OF proposals from one in
dependent belligerent power offering
peace to another independent belliger-
ent power with whom they are at war
and to whom they are in a position to
dictate"
The Premier made plain that the gov
:rnment would not reconsider it's re-
!usa! to negotiate with Sim Fein on
fae question Of Irish independence.
Pointing out that Sim Fein will not be
iatisfed with anything at this juncture
except republic, the Premier said the
government had no option but "to in
Hnslfy the campaign against this small
ept highly organized minority, who are
wing murder and outrage in order to
make max II impossible to bring peace
ether to Ireland or to Great Britain"
= Peace Moves Reviewed
Lloyd George enumerated the various
developments OF the last few DAYS II,
nsgotiations looking toward peace. He
emphasized particularly the resolution
pissed by the Galway County Council,
Sim Feln body, which urged the ap-
continent OF committee by Dali
Lireann to explore the avenues of
peace.
This communication" the Premier
ssio' came as very welcome sign of
: new spirit which is coming over Ire
land"
he referred to the telegram fron, the
KEY. aichael OFlanagan, acting head Of
sinn pm. fein, and declared that although
saas exponent Of peace had been repudi-
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