4 DECEMBER 1920, Page 1

The Hierarchy demand that there shall be an impartial com-

mission of inquiry into events in Ireland, and they show their own impartiality by omitting from beginning to end of the document all reference to the murders of policemen and by describing the relations between England and Ireland as having "always been a curse." The dissemination of slich falsehoods as this is a very serious matter, and the Government would not be justified in ignoring it. They ought to address them- selves to the plain question; Can we continue to allow the Roman Catholic clergy in Ireland to stir up strife and condone murder while they occupy a privileged position ? The freedom from arrest which has traditionally been enjoyed by priests in Ireland certainly ought not to be retained as a principle. There is no excuse for it.