IRISH POLITICS

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 August 1933, Page 5

IRISH POLITICS

RUSH ELECTION PLANNED?

WITH REPUBLIC AS ISSUE

[BY CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.] LONDON, August 14. The “Daily Mail’s” special correspondent. at Dublin reports as follows: The executive of the National Guard met simultaneously for the Cenotaph ceremoney, when they considered the possibility of Mr Da Valera rushing the country into an early general election with the formation of a republic as the straight issue. Increasing economic distress may cause Mr De Valera to attempt to consolidate his position by a. snap vote. Meanwhile, he is still seeking to restar negotiations with Britain through General Smuts and Mr 1-lavenga, the South African statesman. both of whom failed to bring the

lovernmonts together. The “Daily Mail" further says 'General O’Duffy's wisdom has pre •ented another bloody Sunday. M

De Valera has won the first round, but more is to be heard of the National Guard, whose aims appeal to those feeling the pinch of suicidal economic war against Britain. They have won the support of almost ruined farmers, and the sympathy of Mr Cosgrave, the police and the Church. Mr De Valera, may well feel uneasy.”

DISSOLVING THE DAIL? (Recd. August 15, Noon). DUBLIN, August 14. The city is quiet and has resumed normal life. The National Guard faithfully obeyed General O’Duffy’s orders, thus Mr de Valera’s display of force became ridiculous. The only result has been to make the Government look foolish. Mr de Valera is afraid of .the political rather than the military strength of the Blue Shirts. He wants an elec-

tion, because he would catch General O’Duffy before he was able to perfect his organisation. Mr de Valera also out-manoeuvred the Senate, which has delayed important measures, and embarrassed the extreme Republicans whose last, excuse for refusing to recognise the Dail, namely, the oath of allegiance, has been removed. Nobody would- be surprised if the Dail is dissolved before it is due to reassemble in September.

BLUE SHIRTS ATTACKED LONDON, August 14. Wild 'scenes were witnessed in Dublin on Sunday evening, when huge crowds gathered at the National Guard headquarters, and whenever any Blue Shirts emerged therefrom they were mobbed. The police were compelled to launch a baton charge every few minutes. One Blue Shirt, attacked by a crowd of 300 was knocked to the ground and kicked before the police reached him. Another Blue Shirt was attacked on a tram, and a police car crew dispersed his assailants. People are now afraid to travel in trams, fearing violence. The city is like an armed camp, troops standing in readiness at the four barracks, while whippet tanks range the streets.