IRISH FACTIONS

Southland Times, Issue 22201, 19 December 1933, Page 5

IRISH FACTIONS

PITCHED BATTLE

GEN. O’DUFFY ARRESTED

POLICE STOP MEETING

UPROARIOUS SCENES

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.)

Dublin, December 17.

General O’Duffy was arrested wearing a blue shirt at a political meeting at Westport, Mayo, after a pitched battle between his supporters and 100 police, who placed a cordon round the adjacent streets. With strong reinforcements within easy call, steel-helmeted and gasmasked soldiers patrolled Westport in lorries. The meeting progressed quietly until a cavalcade of 100 heralded the approach of General O’Duffy, whom the police had stopped a mile outside the town. General O’Duffy, with his supporters on horseback, entered Westport by another road and the cordon again stopped him, declaring he must not speak while wearing such garb. He did not resist, but his cheering supporters heaved him shoulder high and charged the police. Despite the latter’s batons, they rushed him to the platform, knocking down men and women. General O’Duffy, amid yells and counter-yells, seized a brief opportunity and shouted: “People of Ireland, be calm. Our cause will go on though I am imprisoned. We shall win!” Surrounded By Police. The police fought their way through the crowd and stormed the platform where General O’Duffy was surrounded by 100 police and soldiers and taken to the police barracks, a rearguard repelling his would-be rescuers. A strong guard encircled the barracks. The superintendent is unable to state what charge is being preferred against General O’Duffy, who is strongly supported locally. Messrs Fitzgerald and Kenny and others attempted to continue the meeting amid uproarious free fights and stampeding horses. The police acted with self-restraint and no shots were fired. Republicans were scarce. Among those arrested were John Cintry and John Kilcoyne, the first Blue Shirts imprisoned, who were making their first appearance since their release, and Captain O’Sullivan, an ex-associate of Michael Collins, who followed Kilcoyne’s example, defiantly doffing his overcoat and displaying a blue shirt when speaking prior to General O’Duffy’s arrival. Sensation in Dublin. General O’Duffy’s arrest caused a sensation in political circles in Dublin, which expect his removal to Arbour Hill Barracks, where Commandant Cronin awaits trial on December 22. General O’Duffy may spend Christmas in custody, as only two clear days are for the military’ tribunal to sit before December 25. Newspaper attempts to interview Mr de Valera or General O’Duffy regarding the latter’s arrest are forbidden.

Commandant Cronin will be charged during the week with sedition and with being a member of the banned National Guard. Mr de Valera has decided not to outlaw the League of Youth until its legality is tested in the High Court. The police have been instructed not to interfere with political meetings if they are orderly, but all Blue Shirt parades, under any name, must be stopped.

LEGALITY QUESTIONED

UNITED PARTY MEETING.

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7.0 p.m.) London, December 17. Mr W. T. Cosgrave will preside at a meeting of the United Ireland Party to-day to consider measures for testing the legality of General O’Duffy’s arrest. UNITED PARTY LAW AND ORDER OBSERVED. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 12.5 a.m.) London, December 18. The Irish Independent, in an editorial, says: “It has never been charged that the objects of the United Ireland Party, of which General O’Duffy is president, are in any way illegal. The public utterances of General O’Duffy and other leaders always struck an emphatic note in regard to law and order and obedience to the constituted authorities. Every democratic country recognizes that the opposition plays a useful part in public affairs. The arrest of General O’Duffy lias introduced a startling departure from accepted methods and a strict account of the authorities’ action will be demanded.” SPEECH BY DE VALERA AUTHORITY BEING ENFORCED. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Dublin, December 17. Mr de Valera, escorted by bands and banner-bearers, addressed 10,000 people at Tralee. He pleaded for unity and discipline in Ireland’s economic struggle with England. He also deplored the recent outrages in Kerry, and added that the Ministry was determined to enforce the Government’s authority. There must either be ordered democracy or a dictatorship, he said. The Government had 90 per cent, of the Republicans behind it. The frightening of witnesses prevented the courts from functioning. Prior to the meeting the Listowel railway liife was damaged and telephone and telegraph wires were cut.