“I WANT TO SMASH THE RULE OF THE GUN”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 355, 12 September 1933, Page 5

“I WANT TO SMASH THE RULE OF THE GUN”

Genera! ODuffy States His Aim Press Association.—Copyright. London, Sept. 11. “I want to smash the rule of the gun in Ireland and build up a magnificent body of youth which will keep law and order by non-military methods and promote social life in the villages,” said General O’Duffy in an interview with the Dublin correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. “Talk of the Blue, Shirts being armed with revolvers and rifles is all bunkum,” he added. Nevertheless the inhabitants of isolated villages feel secure in the thought that there are 30 or 40 strapping youths in their midst who will keep order with their strong right arms. They will be like the Fascists in many of their ideals but completely unlike them in methods. Stern discipline will bo maintained bnt they will make the lives of the villagers bright by the promotion of concerts, games raid snorts. “The first thing the party will do will bo to end the disastrous trade war and seek an agreement with Britain. It will then seek to gain the sympathy of the six northern counties and bring about unity in Ireland. This can be done by sane Government. I believe a general election is near and that Mr. dc Valera will be defeated soon after the Dail reassembles in October.”