New-York tribune., 1922-03-23
Irish Army to
Defy Griffith,
By Converting; 2
Republican Volunteers Will
Ignore Order Against
Sundays Meeting; May
Call for Dictatorship
Complications Threaten
Lords Reject Amendment TO
Free State Bill: Collins
Craig Conference Sought
From TIE Yrsbunc's Kuropeoa R..rcau

From The Yrtbunos EuropcdG R.rcats
(Copyright 1922 New York Tribune lnc.)
LONDON, March 22-Troube is
brewing amosg the republicans for the
Irish Free State. The volunteer con-
vertion will be held on Sunday, despito
Arthur Griflith's prohibition of such a
meeting. This was stated to-day by
Commandsnt Rodcricl O'Connor at
irish republican army headquarters.
Robert Barton, ono of the signatories
Of the peace treaty, but now rcpub-
lican, was present when this statement
was given out.
1t will be proposed ~ the conven-
Hon THAT the authority Of the Dali he
repudiated as far as the Irish Repub-
lican army Is concerned and that ii
will be declared that no government
no" exists in Ireland to which the
army oves allegiance, O'Counor as
serted. # Tho Irish people voted ap~
proval of the treaty thc position of
t..c army would be a matter for this
executive authority to be established
Ut Sundays meeting. Asked If this
implied q threat of q military die
tstorship, he rcplcd. "You can call it
what you like
Lords Reject irish Bill Amendment
When the House Of Lords egain too,
up tire Irish lrrcc State bill this eve
ming the government was defeated
by tne adoption of the amendment
70 guarantee pensions to Irish
civil servants. Vie vote was 10
to 40, but this defeat is not
likely TO seriously affect The fortunes
or the bill nor to Involve the fate Of
She ministry At this time 1t is be-
lieVed that thc amendment will be re-
jected by the House Of Commons and
That no further fight will be made TO
retain Il when The measure is referred
back TO the Lords
Strong pleas for a meeting between
Premlei Craig Of Ulster and Michael
Collins, OF the Irish Free State, TO iron
out the frontier SITUATION, which Wins
ton Churchill, chairman of the Cabi-
nets Irish Committee, described as a.
m nentaoly oisquietinR.' were made bv
ministers IN both houses OF Parliament
this evening. There was nothing more
Important than meeting between the
heads Of Che northern and southern
governments, Churchill asserted. add
ing that any one who placed sn obsta-
Gle IN the way OF such a meeting would
@aSuIe very serious responsibility, in
v.c" OF the fact that matters are rap
idly growing from bad 70 worse.
Churchill Makes Plea
Ihe governments actions had heen
devoted to an attempt 80 calm public
opinion between the Two sections.
Churchill SAID and if everybody would
join in that effort there would be less
trouble. The whole question OF meas
urcs to. control the border must be
reviewed at an early date, no said
The proposed meeting between Pre-
mier Craig and Collins, however. does
not seem likely In view OF the attitude
taken by Lord Londonderry in the
House OF Lords in reply to Lord Birk-
eMheads argument in favor OF such
meeting. collins cannot deliver the
goods, and until he can give sssur-
ances thai The terms of any agreement
could be carried out it would be use
less 20 arrange such a meeting" de-