IRA IS SERIOUS, IT INSISTS

The IRA moved quickly to clear up the flap over its cease-fire declaration yesterday, after British protests over vague language and U.S. promises of aid if the cessation of violence holds. According to TIME London Reporter Helen Gibson, a senior Sinn Fein official said today that the ceasefire meant "a complete cessation of military operations under all circumstances." The last three words were added to pacify the British government which has demanded assurances of a "permanent" peace. It's not clear No. 10 Downing Street will accept anything else before beginning negotiations, Gibson says.