EIRE HOSTILE TO CONSCRIPTION PLAN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 123, 27 May 1941, Page 7

EIRE HOSTILE TO CONSCRIPTION PLAN

PARTITION ISSUE Ugly Threats If Proposal Is Adopted In North United Association.—Copyright. Rec. 1 p.m. DUBLIN". May 26. "There could not be a more grievous attack on anv fundamental human right than to compel an individual by force to fight for a country to which he has objected to belong."' said Mr. de Yaiera. speaking on conscription to a crowded Assembly of the Dail.

"The six Northern counties were always part of Ireland. Their inhabitants are Irishmen, and nothing can alter that. There isn't an Irishman in the world who does not regard the continuance of partition as a deadly wotind inflicted in the body of this nation. In the Northern counties over one-third of the population have vehemently protested apainst being cut off from the main body of the nation. "Old Bitternesses" "We are determined to keep our pledge not to permit our territory to be used for an attack against Britain, but if Britain persists .n enforcing conscription the people of the two islands will be thrown back to the old unhappy relations. It would be wanton, in the present welter of death and destruction, to stir up anew those old bitternesses."

Mr. \V. T. Cosgrave. Leader of the Opposition. supporting Mr. de Yalera, said that the situation was so serious.that it-might involve the very existence of Eire.

The Irish Parliamentary Labour party has telegraphed Laboui* members of the British Government saying that the grave resentment against conscription in Northern Ireland would result in bitterness and strife and urging Labour members of the Government to use their influence to prevent •'this act of aggression." Mr. Churchill Interviewed An earlier cable from Belfast states that the Prime Minister of Ulster, Mr. J. M. Andrews, and Mr. J. F. Gordon, have returned from London, which they visited to discuss with Mr. Churchill the question of conscription in Ulster. Mr. Andrews said he was not able at present to make a statement on his interview with Mr. Churchill.

Five thousand Nationalists at an open air rheeting pledged themselves to "'solemnly resist conscription bv the most effective means at our disposal, consonant with the law of God."

The Northern Ireland Labour party passed a resolution which stated" "Not deviating from our belief fliat undefeated Nazi aggression will result in a subjugated Ireland, we believe that, before conscription is considered, a plebiscite should be taken."

The 'Daily Telegraph"' says -that opposition to conscription has diminished since the air raids on Belfast. Fully 80 per cent of the people now favour conscription.