25 DECEMBER 1920, Page 2

The enactment of the Home Rule Bill, the certainty that

Ulster will set up a Parliament, and the application of martial law to the worst districts are bound to have considerable effects upon the situation in Ireland. In a circular explaining how martial law will be applied—it was published in the papers of Monday—Sir Nevil Macready said that the forces of the Crown might rest assured that so long as they did not exceed in their action what was "reasonably necessary" for their purpose, they would have his full approval and support. But he warned them against certain offences—namely, violence against persons or property, looting, and forcing sentries who were on duty for the protection of persons or property. Any person who com- mitted any of these offences would be liable to death.