THE BLUE SHIRTS.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12430, 24 August 1933, Page 5

THE BLUE SHIRTS.

SECOND EDITION

DEFIANT 6ENERAL O’DUFFY. GUARD WILL FACE PERSECUTION. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. DUBLIN, August 22. The Irish Free State Cabinet has declared the National Guard an unlawful association, simultaneously announcing the constitution of a special tribunal under the Public Safety Act, consisting of the five office™ Mr Cdsgrave appointed to it—namely, Colonels Francis Bennet and Daniel McKenna. Major John Joyce and Commandants Conor Whelan and Patrick Tuite. “The Blue Shirts are neither Fascist nor Imperialist, nor Communist. Not even the Public Safety Act enables the to forbid the wearing of blue shirts nor proclaim the National Guard unlawful.” declared General O'Duffy when informed of the imposition of the ban. “If we are banned we are therefore unlawfully harmed, and not bound to recognise it. The National Guard will face any kind of persecution. A period of coercion will only strengthen us. The National Guard awaits the verdict of the Irish people.” The Blue Shirts’ secretary circularised districts that General O’Duffy, in view of the Government’s order, advised all reservists to resign. FUTURE OF IRELAND. (Received 9.30 a.m.) DUBLIN, August 23. The Irish Times says that either the Government is afraid to give equal treatment to Blue Shirts or the I.R.A. or the ban is apt to be political. The result yet may prove the turning point in Ireland’s fortunes if the Cosgraveite’s Centre Party and General O’Duffy’s followers unite to win the next election and the economic war.