NEW ARMY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 15 August 1932, Page 5

NEW ARMY

IN IRISH FREE STATE TO COMBAT I.R.A. TERRORISM TENSE SITUATION (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, 14th August. The “Morning Post’s” Dublin correspondent says Mr de Valera’s admission in the Dail that he had no intention of disarming the 1.R.A., in accordance with an earlier election pledge, has created a profound sensation. A meeting of ex-Ministers discussed the situation and agreed that it meant the end of all constitutional government in the near future. It had previously become impossible for ex-Ministers to address public meetings owing to threats by the I.R.A. to sweep them fi’om the streets.

Mr Cosgrave is determined next week to address a meeting of his constituency at Cork, consequently a number of exofficers decided to combine to combat I.R.A. terrorism, and enrolment has now begun of the Irish Free State Army of Comrades Association under Colonel O’Higgins, a member of the Daii Opposition and a brother of the ex-Minister Kevin O’Higgins, who was shot dead a few years ago. The association is determined to oppose Mr de Valera’s illegal army, and is meeting with a ready response from both young and older men. The obligations include drilling. The Free State now has three armies, airily described by colours, green being the official army, red the 1.R.A., and white the new volunteers. Meanwhile the economic war is spreading disaster. Gallagher’s tobacco factory has been removed to Belfast rendering hundreds idle. Lord Furness has closed his stud farm and sold blood stock valued at £50,000 yearly Mr de Valera is inundated with requests for assistance from the new£2,ooo.ooo “fighting fund.”

BOYCOTT PLANS MOVEMENT IN AMERICA - NEW YORK, 13th August. An organisation known as the “Irish Race,’’ opened to-day a convention at which some 700 were present as partisans of Mr de Valera. The conference laid plans to boycott British goods in retaliation for the tariff wall against Ireland. John Hughes, a Boston attorney, gave the keynote address. “English politicians think they are going to weaken the' Irish by agricultural duties, but they are deluded because the Irish people in America, Canada. Australia and South Africa are going to stand behind the Irish in Ireland and help them.’ The delegates represent many parts of the United States and Canada.

EFFECTS OF DE VALERA’S

POLICY

SITUATION IN FREE STATE

(Received 15th August, 1.25 p.m.) LONDON. 14 tb August,

The “Daily Telegraph’s” Dublin correspondent says large numbers of recruits enrolled in the new volunteer « force being raised by the Army of Com. rades Association, which is sure to gain many adherents as a result of the cam- 2 pai'gn to boycott British goods. Posters - inscribed “Boycott British goods” have) been posted on walls and lamp posts. Other inscriptions are “No surrender,” ' “Damn your concessions, England.” * The “Daily Mail’s” Dublin correspond dent says financial uncertainty, political *• uneasiness, commercial stagnation, and agricultural depression sums up the situ- * at-ion in the Free State, whence the - flight of capital has already begun as a;, result of Mr de Valera’s policy.