NEW MOVES IN IRISH DRAMA

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 289, 1 September 1933, Page 9

NEW MOVES IN IRISH DRAMA

Significant Statement by I.R.A. Council IMPLIED THREAT TO DE VALERA “Proclamation of a Republic, or Quit” z ■By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received August 31, 10.10 p.m.) London, August 31. The Irish Republican Army issued a statement at Dublin at midnight declaring that its army council regards the visit of Civic Guards to one of their camps as an indication that the Government is taking coercive measures against them, adding that they object to the Government linking then-fin this way,with the’National Guard. The statement is regarded as significant, inasmuch as the I.R.A. 1 hitherto has not differed from Mr. de Valera’s Government and has been regarded as the real power behind the throne. It is recalled that Mr. de Valera in a speech at Ennis on Sunday appealed to young people not to join any military organisation other than official Government organisations. j

The I.R.A. statement confirms. the opinion of well-informed people .who long have maintained that the I.R.A. would only uphold Mr. de .Valera so long as there was a chance of getting a republic through him. If Mr de Valera should raise a finger against the 1.R.A., then the latter would turn against him. It is possible, moreover, that the I.R.A. 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 is liable to defeat, in which case the establishment of a republic would be out of the . question. The I.R.A.’s declaration may, therefore, be a notice to Mr. deValera to proclaim a republic or quit. There are many who think his recent military measures against the Blue Shirts have been a pretext for measures to protect himself against the I.R.A. ! 1

The Central News says the I.R.A. statement declares that a Government functioning in 26 counties has no more claim to the allegiance of the people than an Imperialist junta ruling in six counties—meaning the Ulster Government. . ,■ " ''' ■ ' The Army Council, in view of the Flanna Fait Government’s adoption of a policy of coercion against the Republicans, makes a strong and sincere plea to all republicans to unite on the one and only Basis whereon unity is possible—namely, the repudiation of the treaty of surrender made in 1921 and the establishment of an Irish republic. While recognising the fundamental differences' existing between the- Fianna Fail Government and the I.R.A. on plans for the social and economic reconstruction of' the country, the Army Council indicates the foregoing as the only basis upon which unity is possible and through which the horrible spectre of renewed internal strife can be'femoved for all time. . ■ The “Daily Mail” says the I.R.A. Army Council statement declares that the I.R.A. no longer has confidence In the Government. The anti-de Valera forces are growing, and the time seems ripe for a united front under General O’Duffy.

“ANXIOUS FOE PEACE”

Mr. De Valera and Britain READY TO NEGOTIATE (Received August 31, 8.15 p.m.) London, August 31. , '“I am anxious for peace. If there ’ is a sincere desire on .the part of " the British Government to negotiate, we are ready,” said Mr. de Valera in a special interview with the "Daily Herald.” Mn de Valera added, however, that he thought the present state of affairs suited the British Government.' "They saw in the economic war an excuse, for- banning Irish produce as a measure of protection to their own farmers,” he said-. “It has not been an unmixed evil for Ireland, although it has meant hardship.- •* It forced us to move more rapidly in the, direction of economic Independence.” Referring to the Blue Shirts, Mr. de Valera said they did not cause the Government any anxiety. They hall no roots among the people. The Government’s position was secure, and It would go ahead with its programme. Asked if it was true that he would declare a republic during his term of office, he replied: “You have my assurance we shall declare a republic only with the assent of the people.” » RAID ON BLUE SHIRTS Police Visit to Headquarters Dubliq. August 30. The police’raided the headquarters of the Blue Shirts, smashed the locks of desks and presses in General O’Duffy’s. room, removed documents, and took the names of the staff.