I.R.A. RILED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 206, 1 September 1933, Page 7

I.R.A. RILED.

DE VALERA OFFENDS. Rift Between Government and Republicans. STATEMENT ISSUED. (United r.A.—Electric Telegraph-Copyright) LONDON", August 31. Dispatchcs from Dublin state that the Irish Republican Army issued a statement at midnight declaring that its Army Council regards the visit paid by Civic Guards to one of its camps as an indication that the Government is taking coercive measures against, it. The organisation objects to the Government linking it ill this way with the National Guard. The' statement is regarded as significant inasmuch as the Republican Army hitherto has not differed from Mr. de Valera's Government and lias been regarded as the rciil power behind the throne. It is recalled that Mr. de \alera in a speech at Ennis 011 Sunday appealed to young people not to join any military body other than official Government organisations. The Dublin correspondent of the "Central News" agency says the statement declares that the Government functioning in 2f> counties has no more claim to the allegiance of the people than the "Imperialist junta ruling in six counties," meaning the Ulster Government. "The Army Council, in view of the Fianna Fail Government's adoption of a policy of coercion against the Republicans," says the statement, "makes a strong and sincere plea to all Republicans to unite on the one and only basis oil which unity is possible, namely, repudiation of the treaty of surrender of 1921 and the establishment of an Irish Republic. Only Basis of Unity. "While the Army Council recognises the fundamental differences existing between the Fianna Fail Government and the Republican Army on plans for the social and economic reconstruction of the country the council indicates the foregoing as the only basis, on which unity is possible, and through which the horrible spectre of renewed internal strife can be removed for all time." Tho Dublin correspondent of the "Daily Mail" says the statement also declares that the Republican Army 110 longer lias confidence in the Government. The anti-do Valera forces are growing, and the time seems ripe for a united front under General O'Duffy. The statement confirms the opinion of well-informed people who have long maintained that the organisation would only uphold Mr. de Valera so long as there was a chance of getting a Republic through him, and that if Mr. de Valera should raise a finger against it then the Army would turn against him. It ia possible, moreover, that the Army sees a menace to the fulfilment of its plans in the prospect of a united Opposition under the leadership of General O'Duffy. If this is achieved Mr. de Valera's Government obviously is liable to defeat, in which case the establishment of a Republic would be out of the question. The declaration of the Republican Army, therefore, may be notice to Mr. do Valera to proclaim a Republic or quit.