New-York tribune., 1922-06-09
British Shell
Fortress, ROut
Last of Rebels
Belleek, Only Remaining
Ulster Stronghold Held
by Irregulars, Falls as
Artillery Levels Walls
Defenders Flee to South
Armed Vessels Take Part
in Circling Surprise At
tack; 20 Shots Are Fired
Prom The Tribure', Europc1r Bprcap

Prom The Tribure's Europc1r Bureau
Copyright. 1874 New York Tribune Inc.
LONDON. June g. The British
troops that have been routing the Irish
republican regulars from their posi-.
tions north Of the Ulster frontier
crushed the last stronghold Of Sim
Fein on Orange soil to-day when they
drove the rebels from the fortified viii
lage Of Bclleek. There was little fight
Ing. for the rebels gave way and fed
southwark TO Free State soil as the
British attack began.
The msneuver was carried out with
all the thoroughness Of a military cam
paign on hostile soil. From three sides
OF Belleek, which lies on the north
shore Of Lough Erne, in northwest Ire
land. .hree picked regiments Of British
res.lars advanced cautiously, while
armed vessels approached the village
from the lake side. Strong scout pa
trolls and screens preceded the main
troop columns.
Rife fire greeted the advancing
troops from an overlooking fortress
The British answered with artillery.
Armored cars that were brought into
action. quickly carried the heights.
After their first sally the Sim Feiners
retreated southwark. abandoning Bel
leek to the British. Airplane scouts
sent over the city reported the coast
clear for an advance.
Troops Ready FOR Heavy Advance
The troops moved into the battle
fully prepared for heavy attack II nee
essary. Armored cars, hovitzers, ma
chine guns and lorries loaded with
supplies accompanied the columns.
Belleek had been occupied by the
republicans for several weeks. Clear
ing them out Of the village was ono
Of the principal tasks put on the Brit
ism troops sent 70 the border by the
Belfast Cabinet A statement issued
at the Colonial Office in London to-
night says that one man Of the British
attacking forces was slightly wounded
No Sim Feiners were wounded or
taken prisoner, 1t added.
The statement made clear that the
process OF mopping up the border was
completed and there would be no fur
Their hghting unless the Sim Feiners
attacked the British line of defense.
The crown forces will be withdrawn
from the frontier as soon as assur-
rrces are Forthcoming from the Dub
lin authorities that no more raids
will be made into Orange territory.
Negotiations TO this end have been
taken up with the Free State govern
ment. Arthur Griffith, president OF
the Dali Ereann, had a conference
here this afternoon with Winston
Churchill, Colonial Secretary. and Sir
Laming Neutrality-suspicious., Secretary
for War, looking towards establish
ment Of peaceful conditions on the
boundary. 3.
The Colonial Office statement indi-
Gated that the Ulster border operations
were finished, so far as the British are
concerned. unless the Sim Felners
adopted provocative measures. There
has been a good deal Of criticism here
~ the British tactics in driving the
republicans from Pettigo last week.
and the British government doesn't
want 70 give the De Valera faction IN
Ireland any basis for a charge that
British policy is headed toward a mil
jtary drive on the south.
Avoid Free State Territory
BELFAST, June s (By The Assoei-
ated Press).-The Official report Of the