de Valera Dictates To Ulster

Northern Advocate, 27 May 1941, Page 5

de Valera Dictates To Ulster

(Rec. 2 p.m.) DUBLIN, May 26. “There could not be a more grievous attack on any 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 Valera, 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 is not an Irishman in the world who does not regard the continuance of partition as a deadly wound inflicted in the body of this nation. “In the northern counties, over onethird of the population have vehemently protested against being cut off from the main body of the nation.

Implied Threat “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 to the old unhappy relations. • “It would be wanton, in the present welter of death and destruction, to stir up anew those old bitternesses.” The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. W. T. Cosgrave), supporting Mr. de Valera, said that the situation was so serious that it might involve the very existence of Eire.

Labour Party View The Irish Parliamentary Labour Party has telegraphed Labour 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.” The Northern Ireland Labour Party passed -a resolution which stated: “Not deviating from our belief that undefeated Nazi aggression will result in a subjugated Ireland, we believe that before conscription is considered, a plebiscite should be taken.”

No Statement Yet The Prime Minister of Ulster (Mr. J. M. Andrews), and Mr. J. F. Gordon, have returned from London, where they discussed with Mr. Churchill the question of conscription in Ulster. The premier said he was not able at present to make a statement on the interview with Mr. Churchill. Five thousand nationalists at an open air meeting pledged themselves to “solemnly resist conscription by 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 that 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.