IRISH OBJECT TO CONSCRIPTION

Southland Times, Issue 24446, 28 May 1941, Page 5

IRISH OBJECT TO CONSCRIPTION

PARTIES UNANIMOUS DUBLIN, May 26. “There could not be a more grievous attack on any fundamental human right than to compel an individual to fight by force for a country to which he objected to belong,” said Mr Eammon de Valera, Prime Minister of Eire, speaking on conscription in a crowded Dail Eireann. “The six northern counties must always be a part of Ireland and the inhabitants Irishmen. 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 on the body of this nation.

“In the northern counties over a third of the population has vehemently protested against its cutting off from the main body of the nation. 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 on the old, unhappy relations. It would he wanton in the present welter of death and destruction to stir up anew those old bitternesses.”

Mr W. T. Cosgrave, Leader of the Opposition, supported Mr de Valera. He said that a situation so serious might involve the very existence of Eire. The Irish Parliamentary Labour Party has telegraphed to Labour members of the British Government saying that grave resentment against conscription would result in bitterness and strife and urging that the Labour members of the British Government should use their influence to prevent this act of aggression.