MR. DE VALERA SPEAKS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 123, 27 May 1941, Page 8

MR. DE VALERA SPEAKS

(Rec. 1.15 p.m.) DUBLIN, May 26,

"There could not be a more grievous attack on any fundamental human right than to compel an individual to fight by force for a country to which he objected to belong," said Mr. de Valera, speaking on conscription in the crowded DaH. The six northern counties had always been part of Ireland. Their inhabitants were Irishmen and nothing could alter that.

"There is not an Irishman in the world who does not regard the continuance of partition as a deadly wound inflicted bn the body of this nation," he said. "In the northern counties over one third of the population vehemently protested against the cutting off of this region from the main body of the nation.

"We are determined to keep our pledge not to permit our territory to be used for an attack against Britain, but if Britain persists in enforcing conscription the people of the two islands will be thrown back into the old unhappy relations. It would be a wanton act in the present welter of death and destruction, to stir up anew those old bitternesses."

Mr. W. T. Cosgrave, supporting Mr. de Valera, said that the situation was so serious it might involve the very existence of Eire.

The Irish Parliamentary Labour Party has telegraphed the Labour members of the British Government saying that grave resentment of conscription would result in bitterness and strife and urging the Labour members of the British Government to use their influence to prevent "this act of aggression."—U.P.A.