The Government statement about the Irish arrests, published last Saturday,
dealt with two periods—before and after the Irish Re- bellion of April, 1916—and covered the attempts of the German Government to foment rebellion in Ireland, and the preparations in Ireland to support those attempts. The story goes back to November 6th, 1914, and outlines the manoeuvres of Count Bern- storff, and the Casement fiasco. That is interesting enough, but rather ancient history. The Rebellion of 1916 is definitely attributed to German instigation. The evidence upon which the Government made the recent arrest of Sinn Feiners cannot be published without disclosing " the names of persons who stood by the Government" We find it difficult to understand why the Government should think it necessary to apologize for locking up certain conspirators-- wham lives were forfeit to the State two years ago—before these latest treasonable designs could be translated into action. There is evidence of the planning of a second rising, during last year, when Germany failed to send troops. Recently a third attempt awaited German arms and ammunition ; the agent in advance was arrested in his coracle, upon April 12th ; and Mr. De Valera, when taken, carried documents bearing upon the constitution of a rebel army of half-a-million. What the Government have to extenuate is not these recent events, but the slackness of moral fibre which. allowed Mr. De Valera and his friends to retain their liberty, and the opportunity of further mischief.
Previous page
