DEEMED A MENACE

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 26, 31 July 1933, Page 7

DEEMED A MENACE

O'DUFFY'S BLUE SHIRTS

DE VALERA TAKING ACTION

LONDON, July 29.

According to the "Weekly Dispatch's" Dublin correspondent official circles regard General O'Duffy's recent statement as a "menace no Govern-. Hient could ignore."

Therefore Mr. do Valera has decided to uso force to prevent National Guards parading in blue shirts or other uniform, or marching in military \ formation at the demonstration in memory of Mr. Michael Collins and Mr. Arthur Griffiths on August 13, because he believes this would lead to a breach of the peaco ivith the Bepublican Army. Tho Government has introduced a Bill empowering the revocation and suspension of pensions. This is regarded as a move against General O'Duffy, who at present is enjoying a pension of £500 yearly.

General'O'Duffy, late Chief Commissioner of the Civic Guards, Dublin, was recently appointed head of a now organisation called the National Guard, or "Blue Shirts," formed out of tho Army Comrades' Association. The guard declared itself independent of all political organisations, and aimed at promoting national unit/ and the suppression of Communism. Street fighting followed tho convention at which General O'Duffy was elected. Bodies of young men and women attacked the Blue Shirts Civic Guards used batons to disperse the crowds. Several were injured.