The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1922-02-24
PLOT TO UPSET
IRISH FREE STATE
President Collins Accuses De VAL
era's Supporters of 0rganiz-
ing Coup dEtat.
LONDON FEARS CIVIL WAR
Churchill Admits in Commons Gravity
of Situation and Expresses Trust In
colIins-Evacuaton is Suspended.
Done to Aid Ulster.

LondOn.-The republican eXtrem-
lists in Ireland are planning a coup
d. etat to overthrow the Provisional
government, Michael Collins revealed
in a cable message to Thomas W.
Lyons, National Secretary of the
American Association for the Recogni-
ton of the Irish Republic, Washing
ton, in reply to a message from Lyons
following upon an exchange of mes
sages regarding the Dali Eireann
funds. Collins's message follows:
II have made my position perfectly
clear. Surely you know what the Dali
purposes are. The Dahl funds are not
being used for any party purposes,
and I will not consent to using them
for one party or the other. I firmly
believe the Dali should not allow Its
funds to be applied either for the
Free Ireland Party or the self-styled
Republicans. You clearly see that
that would have the effect Of damag-
ing us and subverting our authority.
"You also know we'll that the alter
native to the treaty sooner or later Is
a reversion to war conditions. That
is the issue 1 want the people to de-
eide. If they decide for war, none
of you need to doubt where I shall
stand.
"Meanwhile, don't torpedo us, and l
warn you not to assist or countenance
the coup d. etat that is being planned
against the new government, as wit
ness the affair in Cork, where depart
ing British police had their arms
seized by de Valera's supporters The
only object of such action can be to
destroy the Provisional government
hamper the evacuation Of the British
forces.
81 refer you also to de alera's state
ments yesterday, which make it per-
fectly clear that we are regarded as
greater enemies than the British gov
ernment.
"Plainly, do you stand for that, or
do you not? Let us all be frank and
candid and see exactly where the diff
ferent policies are leading u.s."
The withdrawal of the British
troops from parts Of Ireland has been
stopped Orders countermanding the
evacuation plans have been received
at Dublin and Bantry At the latter
town at the military headquarters for
the west of Cork an order was re-
ceiyed last night cancelling the depart
ure of troops. All stores and equip
ment had been removed during the
day to the pier for traEsshipment to
Devonport The transport tenders had
arrived and the troops were to embark
this afternoon, but as result of the
cancellation orders gun, ammunition
and stores were taken from the pier
to the barracks.
Weekend sailings Of troops from
Dublin were unexpectedly suspended.
The vessels were ready to start for
Holyhead and Liverpool as usual, but
the order to depart was countermand-
ed. At the Irish Office in London 1t
was explained that the sailings were
suspended temporarily until it was
decided that troops would be needed
in Ulster.
Interviewed in Dublin Michael Col
Inns said he was Informed by repre-
sentatives in Dublin Of the English
government that the evacuation of
troops had been held up for some rea-
son unknown to the British authorities
in Ireland.
Asked when he proposed to do in the
matter, Collins said he would consult
with the British Cabinet as to the
reason. There were sinister influences
at work, he said, and he proposed,
therefore, to go direct to the highest
authorities in London so there should
be no misunderstanding.
1t Is semi-officially reported in Bel
fast that the British government has
decided not to send troops to the Free
State territory, but to place whatever
force is required on the northern side
of the frontier, Sir James Craig has
been informed by the British govern
ment that large additional military
forces are available for Ulster.