Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1921-02-06

The recent increase in the number
of attacks on the crown forces" said
Col. X, was only a natural develop
ment due to the perfecting Of our
organization. From now on there
will be further extension and in
classification of the operations in all
parts of the country
Collins Not Commander.
He intimated that the republican
army would soon begin the issuance
of military communique, probably
weekly, and added: "Our system of
communication is not yet very rapid,
but 1T is certain He smiled at a
reference called to his attention that
Michael Collins was head of the re-
publican army. saying: THAT is a
delusion persisted in not only by the
public. but by the British govern
ment." He did not say whether the
direction of the republican army was
in the hands of one man or COM
mittee. There is large reward out
standing for the arrest of Collins.
Col. X began: The Irish republi-
can army dots the entire country.
Our plan is to account for every dis
trict. either by battalions or COM
panies; every foot of ground is be-
ing surveyed and studied with ref
erence to the most promising spots
for ambushers and with regard to
the dispositions of the crown forces.
The size of our forces varies accord
ing to the nature of the country and
the number and character of the in
habitants County Meath, for in
stance, Is sparsely settled. and the
terrain is fiat, making conditions for
lighting unfavorable.
Must Train Recruits.
I'VE are slowly but steadily carry
ing out our plans. 1t should be I'M
,derstood, however, that we must or
ganize and train men for the work
while we are engaged in fighting"
The unit of the organization, &C
cording to the officer, is the company
whose full strength normally is 100
men, each company being tactically
self contained and furnishing iCs own
signalers, engineers and machine
guns.
THE tendency, though" he contin-
ucd, "is to operate in smaller units
in areas like Ulster. where certain
districts are eihter too thinly peo-
pied or'the population is hostile. We
have only small groups engaged in
reconnaissance and intelligence work.
In some areas. where conditions are
wholly favorable, the companies are
formed into battalions and brigades.
This is our regular army. The men
on the run are somewhat similarly
organized. but in small units. They
work in conjunction with the regu-
lars and are kept we'll armed, clothed
and equipped. But the vast bulk
of our men are not on the run; they
are available for operations in the
day time, others at night"
univ In~f rucforu pnJd
Questioned as to who directed at
lacks, Col. X replied: IF it be an
attack on barracks, or other major
operation requiring large number
of men, the officers in the district
must satisfy us at headquarters that
1t won't mean throwing away men
or ammunition. In small operations
however, such as an attack on one
or two lorries, or the seizure of mill
tary supplies on trains or roads. OF
raids on mails. the men act on their
own initiative"
Col. x asserted that the organiza-
ton was growing rapidly and that
1t was easy to obtain recruits.
of course" he explained, I'VE dc
not take every applicant In order
to join a man must have gooc
standing; this is easy to determine
in the country In the cities he must
be vouched for. A good proportion
Of the republican army is composed
of ex-soldiers. Of whom only the bes'
are taken; they are particularly use
full in machine gun work.
No pay is given to any of the mem
bers of the organization except In
structors. Martial law has thus fal
not affected the operations of thu
republican army. said Col. x. Since
martial law has been proclaimed II
the south, the commanders of al
brigades and districts concerned hav'
met for the purpose of dealing will
the new conditions.
Fight short engagements.
Regarding the maintenance Of sup
plies, arms and ammunition, Col. ,
said There is no danger of an!
shortage Besides what is captured
in attacks. the usual supply contin
ues to trickle in from the outside
Our methods of fighting, short, sharl
| engagements. economies to the ut
most"
The Irish republican army is no
| hampered by lack Of funds, a larg'
part Of which, Col. x declared, comes
! from America in subscriptions t.
| the republican loan. Local quarter
| masters. he went on. look after thu