The I.R.A. Plot The story that the recent raid upon the munitions depot in Phoenix Park, Dublin, was o have been a precursor of an offensive against Northern Ireland is as interesting as it is probable, There is every likelihood that the LR.A., providing they feel themselves sufficient-y strong, would embark upon an invasion of the northern countries loyal to the United Kingdom in an endeavour to bring about a United Ireland by right of conquest, and it is doubtful whether, if the Irish Republican Army uld offer a subjugated North to it, the Government of the Free State would hesitate to accept it. Mr. de Valera has clearly stated his own intentions of remaining neutral in the present war, and to subject the British Empire o no inconvenience, but it remains to be seen f, despite the fact that he has declared the LR.A. an illegal organization, he will be able control it. There cannot, however, be the slightest doubt that if an attack were made apon Northern Ireland, whether by the IRA. or the forces of the Free State, should Mr. de Valera be so ill-advised as to embark upon one, it would be met not only with the resistance of Ulster, but with that of the rest of the United Kingdom. There never has been, and cannot be now any question of any weakening of the obligations which have arisen by reason of the loyalty of the northern Irish to the ideals of the United Kingdom, and while the necessity for it would be deplored, there is not the slightest doubt that the fullest military assistance would be rendered Northern Ireland for the purpose of preserving its integrity as a member of the British Commonwealth. It is reported that some of the munitions which were stolen in Dublin have been regained, but there is still sufücient missing to create quite a deal of trouble, though there can bs no question, that if the LR.A. do get out of hand, there are sufficient forces available to make sure that any coup d'état they may be contemplating will very speedily be reduced to a complete failure,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.