World Notes: Northern Ireland

Not since 1982 has Northern Ireland been so besieged by terrorism. The I.R.A. opened its latest campaign with a spate of bombings in November that severely damaged parts of the center of Belfast. Since then, more buildings have been bombed, and there has been an upsurge in murders by the I.R.A., as well as by Ulster loyalist extremists. The bombings have spread to London, Manchester and other British cities.

For Ulsterites, whose mood fluctuates between fear and defiance, the resurgence of violence is all the more demoralizing because only a few months ago they were confident the worst was over. Now, demands for increased security have prompted the government in London to send two more army battalions to the province, bringing military strength to 17,800. Prime Minister John Major flew to Belfast last week and declared that the I.R.A. "cannot bomb Northern Ireland out of its way of life, and they cannot bomb the British government out of its policy." He added, "The I.R.A. are not going to win. Not now and not ever."