The Washington times., 1920-12-10
Military VIII Rule Troubled Dis.
tricts in Erin Through
Lloyd George Edict.
HOPE FOR PEACE VOICED
England Will Continue Efforts
To Secure Cessation of Hos
tiIities, Says Statement.
BY EARLE c. REEVES,
InteruatiOnAl News Service.

IAteTN0ttO00l NewB SctV1cc-
LONDON, Dec. 10.-The British
government has decided to proclaim
martial law in certain disturbed
area Of Ireland, Premier Lloyd
George today announced in tho
House of Commons.
After a certain date persons found
in the martial law districts with
arms will be treated rs rebels, and
will be liable to penalty Of death
for bearing arms against the Brit
ish government
CALLS MINORITY DESPERATE.
Those controlling the murder orr
ganization in Ireland are not ready
for peace, and. therefore. the govern-
ment has decided upon a double pol
ICY" said the premier.
1--WE have no option but to continue
and intensity the military campsirn
against small but mighty organiza.
tion which constitutes a desperate mi
nority."
Premier Lloyd George said that -h@
British government cannot recognize
Dali Eireann, the Sim Fein parlil-
ment.
according TO recent Dublin advices,
Sim Fein leaders declared that they
would repudiate all peace negotiations
that were not sanctioned BY Dan
Eircann)
The premier. in referring to inc
peace message OF the Rev. Father
Michael O'Flansgan, acting president
OF the Sim Feip, said it was "one of
the most hopeful signs OF new spirit
! in ireland" lie added:
The message from Father O'Flana-
gan and a message from tho Galway
council required great courage on
the part OF the writer. But these
have already been repudiatcd."
WILL ENCOURAGE PEACE.
"On the other hand, we have no cp-
ton but to encourage every agency
in Ireland which is really anxious fer
an honorable settlement and peace"
the premier added.
In outlining the regulations in the
districts covered by martial law. the
premier said that the death penalty
vfcted Of wearing unauthorized uni
forms and harborinE Irish rebels.
The premier revealed that the gov
eminent has replied to the recent
peace message from Father Michael
OFuanagan, acting president of the
Sim Feip. affording him all possible
facilities for discussing the truce
! situation.
At the same time, continued the
Premier, the government is willing to
extend aid in other. directions to as
sist responsible persons to discuss a
truce and a settlement.
WARS ON sINN FEN.
The British government has de-
termined to wage ruthless warfare
against the Sim Fein extremists in
Ireland, but at the same time "the
widest possible efforts toward peace
will be made" Lloyd George said.
The Premier's declaration that I'M
tensified war will be conducted
against the Sim Fein radicals cspe-
cially the leaders OF the Republican
army, came as n shock to those who
had hoped for peace in Ireland be-
fore Christmas.
with various persons on both slde..-
, said the Premier. "a careful survey
hos convinced me that the majority
OF the Irish people nrc anxious for
pence md a fnir settlement. The
government is NO less snxious for
pence.-
The Premier read documents that
had passed between the. government
and Irish leaders who were seeking
peace agreement One of these Nas
a communication which had been sent
to Galway promising the Bishop OF
Galway tol facilitate n meeting OF
elected representatives OF ireland for
the purposn, of discussing peace.
The note made the exception, how
ever. that safe conduct could not be
promised to Sim Fein members OF
Parliament who were implicated in
crime. In conclusion the communlca-
tion says;
"It must be clearly understood that
the government insists upon measures
TO insure the cessation of murder snA