The Omaha morning bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 1922-07-14
Collin n S.
Irish Army
Free State Government Has
Decided to Concentrate
Energies in Overcoming
Republicans, Belief.
Mulcaly Chief Of Staff

Dublin, July l3.-(By A. P0-
Michael Collins has been appointed
commander in chief of the Irish ma
tional army, it was officially an
nounced today. Collins. Richard
Mulcahy and Gen. Owen O'Duffy
will comprise a war council in su-
preme charge Of military operations
throughout the country.
Collins was one OF the Irish repre-
sentatives at the parleys which
framed the Anglo-lrish free state
pact: and has been a leader in sup
porting the treaty against the repub-
Ilcan opposition headed by Eamon
De Valera.
Mulcahy Chief of Staff.
Mulcahy also is named chief of
staff of the army.
Owen Duffy. has been the officer in
command of the southwestern d.
vision OF the Irish forces. 1t is in
the region covered by this division
that the principal opposition to the
tree state government remains.
= A republican communiquc, issued
at Cork, says that at Caherconlish,
County Limerick, the republicans
captured Brig. Gen. Hayes and Con-
molly of the free state forces, with
their men and 20 rifles. Sniping is in
progress in Limerick
The republicans also clam the cap
ture OF post held by free staters
near Clonmel, Tipperary.
Operations Pending.
London, July 13.-(By A. P)-|
The provisional Irish free state gov
erment's decision to concentrate its
energies on overcoming the repub-
licans and establishing order
throughout the country before sum-
moning the new parliament is taken
to indicate that military operations
on a considerable scale are impend-
ing.
The republicans. since their de-
feat in Dublin, have strengthened
their position in the southwest and
now are prepared to put up a big
fight. They are reported to have
taken line from Waterford across
the country to Limerick as a defen-
sive front, entrenching themselves
in preparation for the expected free
state assault.
Communication Hindered.
Communication between Dublin
and the country to the west of this |
line has been almost nonexistent for
some days, and what is happening
there is largely matter of conjec-
ture, although the statement given
out by Patrick ]. Little, head OF the
republic publicity department, is be-
lieved to be correct. He claims the
republican forces are in complete con-
troll of the whole country from Kerry
to Newtownbarry and from Kerry to
County Mayo.
Cork is supposed to rank as the re-
publican capital, but the military
headquarters are either at Mallow or
Limerick.
The situation in Limerick is con-
trarily reported. According to one
version there was sharp fighting in
the town Tuesday night, and the
civilian population is suffering from
a food shortage in consequence of the
rival forces communicating supplies.
The other account is that peace is
being maintained under a precarious
truce.
Meanwhile the national army is
reported to be strengthening daily,
recruits constantly being sent to the
various depots for intensive training
It is stated that, among other reasons
'or postponing the parliament meet
ing, many member of the dali who
1old commands in the army, cannot
oe spared from their military duties.
Craig in London.
London, July 13.-Sir James Craig,
he Ulster premier, arrived in Lon
Ion today and with the Marquis of
londonderry, another Ulster cabinet
member. interviewed Winston
Churchill, the colonial secretary at
he colonial office. The consultation
Vas in connection with the Ulster
boundary commission.