16 DECEMBER 1922, Page 2

Before we leave the subject of Ireland we must mention

a strange telegram purporting to have come from the Pope and reproduced in the Morning Post of Monday. We can express no opinion as to whether the message is genuine and will simply quote it as-it appeared in the Morning Post :— " The Workers' Republic, the official organ of the Communist Party of Ireland, publishes in the current issue the following startling announcement, under the heading 'Pope Supports Republicans ' :

A telegram has been received from his _Holiness. the Pope, pouched in the following terms :

Fight for Republic justifiable. 'hinge, strike jastifiable. [This

refers to Mary MeSwiney.] Give all Republican prisoners Sacraments. [This vetoes Bishops' pronouncements.] The Sacraments were administered last Wednesday."