New-York tribune., 1920-12-31
British Admit
Black and Tans
Set Cork Afire
Gen. Strickland's Report on
Official Inquiry Says Few
Men Hurt in Ambush
Took Revenge on City
Prelate Opposes Murder
Commands Irish to Desist;
One More Killed, Six In.
iured; Convent Raided

Prom The Tri1une's Europeon Bureos
Copyright 1920. New York Tribune Inc
LONDON Dec. 9O.-The report OF
the inquiry made By General Strick-
md, military commander at Cork, con-
ccrning the fires in that city December
II, which has been completed, is un-
derstood to place the blame for the
outrage on few Black and Tans who
were themselves slightly wounded in
an ambush at Dillon's Cross earlier in
the evening of the same day or whose
friends were attacked.
The Star this evening says that,
although the whole body of the report
will not be published Immediately, the
findings will be given to the public
uneXpurgated. The newspaper believes
it probable that the responsibility for
the looting which followed the fires
will be placed by the report on small
rutfian element in the civilian 'popula-
ton.
Archbishop Warns Irish
Further evidence that the Roman
Catholic hierarchy in Ireland is align
ing itself definitely with the peace
movement is seen in the letter from
Archbishop Gilmartin of Tuam, who
has previously been active in pacific
movements, warning the men of his
diocese that armed resistance to the
existing government is contrary to
canonical law.
"Under the new canon law, members
Of secret societies plotting against the
Church or the State, de facto, are ex
communicated" the letter said. "Oaths
taken by members of such societies
have nc binding force and those who
have joined are bound to leave. They
will also sever their connection with
societies. the members OF which may be
called upon to commit murder by shoot
ing servants of the Crown or civilians.
Furthermore, we know from the history
or every revolutionary movement that
the shadowed informers and members
Of secret organizations are known to
those who want them"
AT the beginning of his letter the
Archbishop had pointed out that there
was no chance for success in armed
resistance and that the evils of such
a course were greater than the evils
it sought to remedy
Policeman Killed in Cork
County Cork continues to be a
trouble center. One policeman was
killed and five were wounded in an af-
fray in the main street of Middleton
last night. Reinforcements from Cork
coming to the aid of this patrol were
also ambushed mile and a half out
side the town where the road had been
biockaded by the Sim Feiners. One
sergeant was slightly wounded.
Last night q convent was raided for
the first time by the military. No ar
rests were made after half hours
search.
To-day Dublin workhouse was
raded by troops headed by band and
accompanied by a field kitchen
The scene Of activity extended also
to Ulster, where a mail train on the
railway between Belfast and London
derry was ransackcd by masked, armed
raiders, VINO later escaped.
DUBLIN, Dec 80 BY The Associated
Press A third incendiary attack
was made this evening on the business
Offices of the Frcemans Journal Men
entered the Offices and exploded
bomb which filled the place with smoke.
Little damaro rrsultpd