Work in Progress. Last updated: 9 May 2020
1
Both the Irish and British forces closely monitored each others actions during the Truce. The British reporting that the I.R.A continued to fundraise through levies and that some of the cash ‘was spent in buying beer at the nearest public house’
The Irish Congress of Trades Unions at a meeting declared that if the Irish representatives deemed it advisable to reject any British Government offer, they would have the support of the Labour movement.
The United States formally ends World War I, declaring a peace with Germany.
Both the Irish and British forces closely monitored each others actions during the Truce. The British reporting that the I.R.A continued to fundraise through levies and that some of the cash ‘was spent in buying beer at the nearest public house’
The Irish Congress of Trades Unions at a meeting declared that if the Irish representatives deemed it advisable to reject any British Government offer, they would have the support of the Labour movement.
The United States formally ends World War I, declaring a peace with Germany.
2
James McHugh returned from Dublin after meeting with Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins. He advised John Devoy of the current situation there which in turn, Devoy passed to Judge Cohalan with the following commentary:
‘He did his work splendidly, met every point they made and put our case in a way that let no room for evading the real issue. The result is that they made an offer that is impracticable - an effort to ‘get together’, but the ice is broken and I am satisfied we can have our way.
Mick [ Michael Collins ] assured him that De Valera is ‘playing the game’ just as he wants; that there will be no compromise and that they are preparing intensively for a new campaign and will see it through. They claim that our men are in absolute control. They did not say it openly, but it evidently means that they have compelled him [ De Valera ] to toe the mark and are thus saving him by keeping up the appearance of unity.
They made weak attempts to justify the attacks onus by saying they did not give Boland instructions to cut us off, but gave him rather extensive powers which he stretched...Boland is no longer Chairman...Mick is a queer mixture of fighting man and Corkonian diplomatist, but is determined to see the job through. He has a great respect for your [ Judge Cohalan ] ability, but finds fault with a lot of things that I did and said. He lays a lot of stress on keeping up the appearance of unity’
Tansill. ‘America and the fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’. Devin-Adair. New York 1957. P.422-423
Tansill further commented on the McHugh report : "Collins was particularly interested in the American scene. De Valera had endeavoured to persuade him to pay an extended visit to America for the purpose of raising additional funds and composing the differences between Irish-Americans. Collins had refused to undertake this American mission, but he was anxious to know all the details concerning the dispute between De Valera, on the one hand, and Judge Cohalan and John Devoy on the other..."
Tansill. ‘America and the fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’. Devin-Adair. New York 1957. P.422
In the House of Commons, Chamberlain explained that if the Irish negotiations broke down, reasonable notice would be given before a termination of the Truce.
Andy Cope met with Lloyd George and advised of Craig’s uncompromising attitude. ‘He told me Lloyd George was very angry and wired for Craig. They have all had a go at him – Lloyd George, Smuts, I think Austen and Andy, but so far they haven't budged Craig. Craig’s safe line is that all Ulster wants is to remain part of Great Britain. That they didn’t want Home Rule but having got it mean to keep it. He admitted he had gone back on his promise to co-operate with de Valera to get anything short of a Republic which would give Ireland peace – he now simply says that his people will not have one Parliament mostly and ostensibly for fear of Roman Catholic plots to do down all the Protestants. If the South settles separately well and good, all Ulster would then ask would be the same fiscal advantages as the South….Lloyd George failed to get him to reconsider the terms of his answer to de Valera’s invitation - so did Andy who asked him had he fully considered that his attitude might easily lead to civil war in Ireland between North and South, starting perhaps with passive resistance to pay taxes or rates by RC’s in Ulster, or, on the failure of Sinn Fein to get a United Ireland, a plain statement that they were a Republic ending in a resumption of war in the South ‘as before’. Finally Lloyd George sent him a plain message by Smuts today that his attitude was dangerously imperiing the whole thing…
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 208-9
Andy Cope met with de Valera who said ‘he is very angry at the Craig attitude and inclined to believe that the much distrusted Lloyd George is behind Ulster, egging them on to obstruct. [ Cope ] also told me that that he prayed Lloyd George to reconsider martial law as the only alternative to peace if war broke out again. But to start all over with civil Government even plus ‘economic pressure’ is I’m inclined to believe impossible. If we must fight again lets have real war this time..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 210
Enrico Caruso (48 ) died of peritonitis in Naples.
James McHugh returned from Dublin after meeting with Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins. He advised John Devoy of the current situation there which in turn, Devoy passed to Judge Cohalan with the following commentary:
‘He did his work splendidly, met every point they made and put our case in a way that let no room for evading the real issue. The result is that they made an offer that is impracticable - an effort to ‘get together’, but the ice is broken and I am satisfied we can have our way.
Mick [ Michael Collins ] assured him that De Valera is ‘playing the game’ just as he wants; that there will be no compromise and that they are preparing intensively for a new campaign and will see it through. They claim that our men are in absolute control. They did not say it openly, but it evidently means that they have compelled him [ De Valera ] to toe the mark and are thus saving him by keeping up the appearance of unity.
They made weak attempts to justify the attacks onus by saying they did not give Boland instructions to cut us off, but gave him rather extensive powers which he stretched...Boland is no longer Chairman...Mick is a queer mixture of fighting man and Corkonian diplomatist, but is determined to see the job through. He has a great respect for your [ Judge Cohalan ] ability, but finds fault with a lot of things that I did and said. He lays a lot of stress on keeping up the appearance of unity’
Tansill. ‘America and the fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’. Devin-Adair. New York 1957. P.422-423
Tansill further commented on the McHugh report : "Collins was particularly interested in the American scene. De Valera had endeavoured to persuade him to pay an extended visit to America for the purpose of raising additional funds and composing the differences between Irish-Americans. Collins had refused to undertake this American mission, but he was anxious to know all the details concerning the dispute between De Valera, on the one hand, and Judge Cohalan and John Devoy on the other..."
Tansill. ‘America and the fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’. Devin-Adair. New York 1957. P.422
In the House of Commons, Chamberlain explained that if the Irish negotiations broke down, reasonable notice would be given before a termination of the Truce.
Andy Cope met with Lloyd George and advised of Craig’s uncompromising attitude. ‘He told me Lloyd George was very angry and wired for Craig. They have all had a go at him – Lloyd George, Smuts, I think Austen and Andy, but so far they haven't budged Craig. Craig’s safe line is that all Ulster wants is to remain part of Great Britain. That they didn’t want Home Rule but having got it mean to keep it. He admitted he had gone back on his promise to co-operate with de Valera to get anything short of a Republic which would give Ireland peace – he now simply says that his people will not have one Parliament mostly and ostensibly for fear of Roman Catholic plots to do down all the Protestants. If the South settles separately well and good, all Ulster would then ask would be the same fiscal advantages as the South….Lloyd George failed to get him to reconsider the terms of his answer to de Valera’s invitation - so did Andy who asked him had he fully considered that his attitude might easily lead to civil war in Ireland between North and South, starting perhaps with passive resistance to pay taxes or rates by RC’s in Ulster, or, on the failure of Sinn Fein to get a United Ireland, a plain statement that they were a Republic ending in a resumption of war in the South ‘as before’. Finally Lloyd George sent him a plain message by Smuts today that his attitude was dangerously imperiing the whole thing…
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 208-9
Andy Cope met with de Valera who said ‘he is very angry at the Craig attitude and inclined to believe that the much distrusted Lloyd George is behind Ulster, egging them on to obstruct. [ Cope ] also told me that that he prayed Lloyd George to reconsider martial law as the only alternative to peace if war broke out again. But to start all over with civil Government even plus ‘economic pressure’ is I’m inclined to believe impossible. If we must fight again lets have real war this time..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 210
Enrico Caruso (48 ) died of peritonitis in Naples.
3
"Geddes Axe": announcement that the Prime Minister is appointing an advisory Committee on National Expenditure, made up of businessmen chaired by Sir Eric Geddes, to recommend reductions in government spending.
"Geddes Axe": announcement that the Prime Minister is appointing an advisory Committee on National Expenditure, made up of businessmen chaired by Sir Eric Geddes, to recommend reductions in government spending.
4
General Smuts wrote again to De Valera advocating acceptance of partition for a time.
‘I believe that…the force of community of interests will, over a period of years, prove so great and compelling that Ulster will herself decide to join the Irish state.’
Conor O’Clery ‘Ireland in Quotes’ The O’Brien Press Dublin 1999 p.53
USSR – A widespread famine swept through the Soviet Union with some 18 million close to starvation.
General Smuts wrote again to De Valera advocating acceptance of partition for a time.
‘I believe that…the force of community of interests will, over a period of years, prove so great and compelling that Ulster will herself decide to join the Irish state.’
Conor O’Clery ‘Ireland in Quotes’ The O’Brien Press Dublin 1999 p.53
USSR – A widespread famine swept through the Soviet Union with some 18 million close to starvation.
5
A British inteligence report to the Lloyd George concluded that de Valera was ‘the typical example of an Irishman who had already made up his mind to buy a horse or a cow at a certain price, but will argue around the price for some time, simply because it is his nature to do so… [ and as to the reaction to British terms by the general population: ] the merchant, farmer and shopkeeper class consider the terms offered as generous and are quite willing to accept them. However, should negotiations fail, there is no doubt they are such ‘rabbits’ that they would assist the Irish Republic as hitherto through intimidation…. The Loyalists view with horror the present terms and have decided, in the event of these being accepted, to clear out of the country…they will only be allowed to live in the country as long as it pays the local inhabitants to keep them’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P320
Dail Eireann was summoned to meet on August 16th which put increasing pressure on Dublin Castle to release all elected representatives.
A British inteligence report to the Lloyd George concluded that de Valera was ‘the typical example of an Irishman who had already made up his mind to buy a horse or a cow at a certain price, but will argue around the price for some time, simply because it is his nature to do so… [ and as to the reaction to British terms by the general population: ] the merchant, farmer and shopkeeper class consider the terms offered as generous and are quite willing to accept them. However, should negotiations fail, there is no doubt they are such ‘rabbits’ that they would assist the Irish Republic as hitherto through intimidation…. The Loyalists view with horror the present terms and have decided, in the event of these being accepted, to clear out of the country…they will only be allowed to live in the country as long as it pays the local inhabitants to keep them’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P320
Dail Eireann was summoned to meet on August 16th which put increasing pressure on Dublin Castle to release all elected representatives.
6
Dublin Castle announced that all the imprisoned Sinn Fein MP’s except Sean MacEoin who remained on death row in Mountjoy, had been released. De Valera protested threatening to pull out of negotiations with the British Government. Michael Collins urged the Dail to take a firm stand on the matter ‘there can and will be, no meeting of Dail Eireann unless and until Commandant Sean MacEoin is released, the refusal to release him appears to indicate a desire on the part of the English Government to terminate the Truce’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P302
The I.R.B. contacted each Divisional Centre to warn that the truce would end if MacEoin was not released and to begin preliminary preparations to return to warfare.
Macready refused to release McKeon as it was a Cabinet matter saying the decision must come from London.
Huge tax increases are proposed in Germany to pay the war reparations.
Dublin Castle announced that all the imprisoned Sinn Fein MP’s except Sean MacEoin who remained on death row in Mountjoy, had been released. De Valera protested threatening to pull out of negotiations with the British Government. Michael Collins urged the Dail to take a firm stand on the matter ‘there can and will be, no meeting of Dail Eireann unless and until Commandant Sean MacEoin is released, the refusal to release him appears to indicate a desire on the part of the English Government to terminate the Truce’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P302
The I.R.B. contacted each Divisional Centre to warn that the truce would end if MacEoin was not released and to begin preliminary preparations to return to warfare.
Macready refused to release McKeon as it was a Cabinet matter saying the decision must come from London.
Huge tax increases are proposed in Germany to pay the war reparations.
7
Andy Cope received word in Dublin Castle that ‘there is an influential section of Sinn Fein …who want to fight and are prepared to make MacEoin the test…’Where’ they say ‘is the logic of with-holding from the meeting one member and that a Cabinet Minister’? True he has been convicted of murder – but you are prepared to release others who according to your ideas are equally guilty of murder. Moylan*, for instance. If Dail Eireann is to meet and to vote Ireland into the British Empire it must vote as a complete whole…if McK is kept in, they threaten to give the 48 hours notice and start fighting. ..he [was] certain he was not being bluffed… Lloyd George has gone to Paris leaving telegrams for Cope, Macready, Tudor and His Ex asking for their opinions on the question of MacEoin’s release…we have eaten much dirt for the sake of a problematical settlement and can probably stomach another mouthful…if Peace is coming MacEoin release is all right – if war is coming anyway his release now will not postpone our ‘Victory’ by a day…whatever is done now is either a surrender or a blunder’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 211
* Moylan, Sean. D.1957. IRA column leader in North Cork, Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail TD, Minister for Lands 1943, Minister for Education 1951, Minister for Agriculture 1957.
Andy Cope received word in Dublin Castle that ‘there is an influential section of Sinn Fein …who want to fight and are prepared to make MacEoin the test…’Where’ they say ‘is the logic of with-holding from the meeting one member and that a Cabinet Minister’? True he has been convicted of murder – but you are prepared to release others who according to your ideas are equally guilty of murder. Moylan*, for instance. If Dail Eireann is to meet and to vote Ireland into the British Empire it must vote as a complete whole…if McK is kept in, they threaten to give the 48 hours notice and start fighting. ..he [was] certain he was not being bluffed… Lloyd George has gone to Paris leaving telegrams for Cope, Macready, Tudor and His Ex asking for their opinions on the question of MacEoin’s release…we have eaten much dirt for the sake of a problematical settlement and can probably stomach another mouthful…if Peace is coming MacEoin release is all right – if war is coming anyway his release now will not postpone our ‘Victory’ by a day…whatever is done now is either a surrender or a blunder’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 211
* Moylan, Sean. D.1957. IRA column leader in North Cork, Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail TD, Minister for Lands 1943, Minister for Education 1951, Minister for Agriculture 1957.
8
Dis-satisfied with de Valera’s statement as not being strong enough, Michael Collins gave his own statement to the Irish Times on the Sean MacEoin's imprisonment. On publication, Childers issued a press release advising that Collins’s statement was ‘wholly unauthorised’. Later the same day, MacEoin was released following agreement by the Lord Lieutenant and Macready. Lloyd George was advised in Paris and a cable confirming the release was returned.
Dis-satisfied with de Valera’s statement as not being strong enough, Michael Collins gave his own statement to the Irish Times on the Sean MacEoin's imprisonment. On publication, Childers issued a press release advising that Collins’s statement was ‘wholly unauthorised’. Later the same day, MacEoin was released following agreement by the Lord Lieutenant and Macready. Lloyd George was advised in Paris and a cable confirming the release was returned.
9
The Russian Famine became so severe that Lenin appealed to ‘the international proletariat’ for famine relief. Some 18 million were starving, typhus and cholera widespread. The main causes were drought and the effects of the revolution and civil war.
The Russian Famine became so severe that Lenin appealed to ‘the international proletariat’ for famine relief. Some 18 million were starving, typhus and cholera widespread. The main causes were drought and the effects of the revolution and civil war.
10
The Dail rejected the British offer on Dominion status while at the same time indicating the settlement terms that would be acceptable for recommendation. De Valera suggested treaties, agreements on trade and guarantees to satisfy any legitimate fears.
De Valera advised Lloyd George that the Ulster Question ‘must remain…for the Irish people themselves to settle. We cannot admit the right of the British Government to mutilate our country, either in its own interest or at the call of any section of our population. We do not contemplate the use of force. If your Government stands aside, we can effect a complete reconciliation’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p163
De Valera dispatched Barton and Duggan to London with the reply for Lloyd George. ‘…we do not contemplate the use of force [ to prevent partition ]. If your Government stands aside we can effect a compete reconciliation..’
The news of De Valera rejection of the British terms raised great interest in Irish-American circles. The President of the Friends of Irish Freedom sent a telegram to De Valera :
‘the Friends of Irish Freedom heartily congratulate you and through you the citizens of the Irish Republic, on your splendid declaration of today. In the recent past as an American organisation working along American lines...we gave you support essential at critical points in Ireland’s struggle...in the new crisis...the Republic will again require effective support and it will be yours in un-stinted measure upon the same solid American basis’
Tansill. ‘America and the fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’. Devin-Adair. New York 1957. P.420
John Devoy sent a similar message of support:
‘permit the oldest active Fenian living to congratulate you and Dail Eireann on prompt and effective answer to Lloyd George challenge...your action is a trumpet call to race in America which will bury differences and bring united action to enable Republic to defend people in bitter struggle before them...properly organised, the race abroad, on inspiration of and in conjunction with people at home, each country devising own measures and acting under own leaders for a common purpose, can break British power, influence and trade and eventually destroy robber Empire unless Ireland is set completely free’
Tansill. ‘America and the fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’. Devin-Adair. New York 1957. P.420
Judge Cohalan also sent his congratulations with the New York American Newspaper commenting
‘..this means all circles of Irish people everywhere are encouraging Dail Eireann and the Cabinet of the Irish Republic. The split in Irish ranks hitherto has hurt the cause of Erin. The healing of the breach indicated by Judge Cohalan’s generous congratulations, say Sinn Fein leaders, will ‘strengthen home people immensely’
Tansill. ‘America and the fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’. Devin-Adair. New York 1957. P.420-421
There was no response from De Valera to the various telegrams made by the Devoy/Cohalan group.
Marcus Garvey of the Universal Negro Improvement Association in New York also sent cables to both De Valera and King George V. He informed De Valera that "….We, the Representatives of 400,000,000 Negroes of the World assembled in the 2nd Annual International Convention, send GREETING, and pray that you and your fellow COUNTRYMEN will receive from the hands of the British your merited freedom." Garvey informed the British monarch that "on principle, nothing would please the 400,000,000 Negro peoples of the World more, except the freedom of Africa, than the granting of freedom to the four and a half million people of Ireland, and also the emancipation of the poor people of India, and Egypt."
Robert A Hill. “The Marcus Garvey and UNIA Papers Project “ UCLA ( Via Internet Site June 1997 )
The Dail rejected the British offer on Dominion status while at the same time indicating the settlement terms that would be acceptable for recommendation. De Valera suggested treaties, agreements on trade and guarantees to satisfy any legitimate fears.
De Valera advised Lloyd George that the Ulster Question ‘must remain…for the Irish people themselves to settle. We cannot admit the right of the British Government to mutilate our country, either in its own interest or at the call of any section of our population. We do not contemplate the use of force. If your Government stands aside, we can effect a complete reconciliation’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p163
De Valera dispatched Barton and Duggan to London with the reply for Lloyd George. ‘…we do not contemplate the use of force [ to prevent partition ]. If your Government stands aside we can effect a compete reconciliation..’
The news of De Valera rejection of the British terms raised great interest in Irish-American circles. The President of the Friends of Irish Freedom sent a telegram to De Valera :
‘the Friends of Irish Freedom heartily congratulate you and through you the citizens of the Irish Republic, on your splendid declaration of today. In the recent past as an American organisation working along American lines...we gave you support essential at critical points in Ireland’s struggle...in the new crisis...the Republic will again require effective support and it will be yours in un-stinted measure upon the same solid American basis’
Tansill. ‘America and the fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’. Devin-Adair. New York 1957. P.420
John Devoy sent a similar message of support:
‘permit the oldest active Fenian living to congratulate you and Dail Eireann on prompt and effective answer to Lloyd George challenge...your action is a trumpet call to race in America which will bury differences and bring united action to enable Republic to defend people in bitter struggle before them...properly organised, the race abroad, on inspiration of and in conjunction with people at home, each country devising own measures and acting under own leaders for a common purpose, can break British power, influence and trade and eventually destroy robber Empire unless Ireland is set completely free’
Tansill. ‘America and the fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’. Devin-Adair. New York 1957. P.420
Judge Cohalan also sent his congratulations with the New York American Newspaper commenting
‘..this means all circles of Irish people everywhere are encouraging Dail Eireann and the Cabinet of the Irish Republic. The split in Irish ranks hitherto has hurt the cause of Erin. The healing of the breach indicated by Judge Cohalan’s generous congratulations, say Sinn Fein leaders, will ‘strengthen home people immensely’
Tansill. ‘America and the fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’. Devin-Adair. New York 1957. P.420-421
There was no response from De Valera to the various telegrams made by the Devoy/Cohalan group.
Marcus Garvey of the Universal Negro Improvement Association in New York also sent cables to both De Valera and King George V. He informed De Valera that "….We, the Representatives of 400,000,000 Negroes of the World assembled in the 2nd Annual International Convention, send GREETING, and pray that you and your fellow COUNTRYMEN will receive from the hands of the British your merited freedom." Garvey informed the British monarch that "on principle, nothing would please the 400,000,000 Negro peoples of the World more, except the freedom of Africa, than the granting of freedom to the four and a half million people of Ireland, and also the emancipation of the poor people of India, and Egypt."
Robert A Hill. “The Marcus Garvey and UNIA Papers Project “ UCLA ( Via Internet Site June 1997 )
Section 3: 1921
No. 104 NAI DE 4/4/2
Department of Foreign Affairs Report
Dublin, 10 August 1921
On his return from America, the President having in view the importance of strengthening and increasing our representation in foreign countries, the co-ordination of the work of our Foreign Representatives and the necessity of getting these representatives in closer touch than was hitherto possible, deemed it wise to establish a separate office for the department of foreign affairs.
The work of this department had hitherto been centred in the office of the General Secretary, who had done splendid work in spite of the fact that he could only give the Department a fraction of his time. The new office was established in February of this year and since then a good deal has been done in the matter of co-ordinating the work or our Foreign Representatives and of keeping them closely informed on the situation at home. Special envoys have been sent to Germany, Russia, South America and South Africa, an accredited representative has been appointed in Germany; press bureaux have been established in Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Rome and the organisation of similar bureaux in South Africa, Australia, Chile and the Argentine is under way. In addition the organisation in the United States has been put on a new basis.
The Foreign establishments of the Republic at present are as follows:-
Paris Representative - Mr Sean T. O’Ceallaigh T.D.
Rome - Mr George Gavan Duffy T.D.
U.S. - Mr Harry Boland T.D.
London - Mr Art O’Brien
Germany - Mr J.[ohn] C.[hartres]
Russia - Dr. P. McCartan T.D.
Argentine - Mr Eamon Bulfin
Chile - Mr Frank W. Egan.
Official Press Bureaux are working in Paris, Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Fribourg and the United States while active propaganda is also being done in Denmark, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and the South American Republics.
The Department of F.A. is kept in close touch with the Trade and Publicity Departments so as to ensure that the best results will be obtained from the co-ordination of the work of our Foreign Representatives.
One of the first duties of the Department was the preparation of the material accompanying the ‘Address to the Representatives of Foreign Nations’, which was adopted at the January Session of An Dail. This document was forwarded to our Foreign Representatives with instructions to have it translated into the different languages and delivered to each elected representative in the following countries:- France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Austria, Czecho Slovakia, Hungary, Rumania, Switzerland, Turkey, Jugo Slavia, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Japan, China, Philippines, the British Colonies and all countries on the American Continent. A great deal of this work has already been done. Arrangements have been made to have the Address read before the United States Senate and it is hoped that the same may be done in many other countries. Our Representatives in France, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Chile are working in this direction.
Particulars on the work being done in the various countries are as follows:-
Argentine: - Through our Representative in Buenos Aires (Mr Eamon Bulfin) steps are being taken for the issue in that country of a ‘Bulletin’ the material for which would be derived from the ‘Irish Bulletin’ and other sources of propaganda. We are at present awaiting from Mr. Bulfin an estimate of the probable cost of the proposed production.
Though communication from home with the Argentine is difficult and slow Mr Bulfin’s reports afford great encouragement as to the support that might be expected there for the Republican cause. He emphasises, however, the urgent need that exists of educating the whole people of the Argentine — as distinct from the Irish there — to the true position of Ireland and her claim to recognition as an Independent Republic, and considers that a publication something similar to that proposed would effect enormous good in this direction as well as helping to secure a solid footing for a special mission from Ireland to the Argentine. In the opinion of Mr Bulfin the President of the Argentine is favourably disposed towards the Irish Republican Cause, and if the United States Government recognised the Irish Republic he (Mr. Bulfin) feels sure that the Argentine Government would do likewise. Mr. Bulfin mentions local differences and animosities resulting from a split of ten years ago as factors operating against the power of the Irish in the Argentine but here again he believes the ‘Bulletin’ could be put to good use in wiping out misunderstandings and working towards complete and effective reorganisation. A number of newspapers published in the Argentine are friendly disposed towards the Irish Cause. Mr. Ginnell T.D. who has been sent as special envoy on a mission to the Argentine and the other South American Republics, was present by official invitation at the Te Deum to commemorate the Independence of Peru.
Chile - Mr Frank W. Egan, our honorary Representative in Santiago reports that the elections in March to the National Congress proved favourable for the Democratic and Labour parties. At the opening in June of the two legislative bodies the Senate held a slight conservative majority, but in the House of Representatives the Democratic, Radical and Labour Parties combined to form a majority and will work together. Mr Egan hopes to get forward a declaration from this assembly, and with this end in view is working with several of the new deputies. Plans are being laid for the formation of an Irish Association and Mr Egan hopes for great success, judging from the results of his appeal to all Irishmen to join the organisation known as the ‘Irish Colony of Chile’. In a report recently received from a gentleman in Santiago, genuinely sympathetic towards the Irish Cause, and a close friend of the new President, the writer states that the latter is in sympathy with the Irish Cause and adds:- ‘The great point is that recognition (of the Irish Republic) by Chile would inevitably bring recognition by the Argentine and possibly Brazil as well in addition to acting as an incentive to the United States to take the step over which they appear to be hesitating’.
We are making enquiries as to the feasibility of issuing a ‘Bulletin’ in Chile on the same lines as that proposed for the Argentine. Meanwhile a magazine ‘The American World’ published twice monthly in Valparaiso strongly advocates Irish Independence.
United States - Reports from the United States continue encouraging, the Irish Cause gaining in sympathy and support there each day. Arrangements have been made to have the ‘Address to the Representatives of Foreign Nations’ adopted at the January Session of the Dail, read to the Senate of the United States, and distributed to every elected representative in Canada, Newfoundland, Argentine, Bolivia and every other country on the American Continent. The ‘Address’ is also being translated into Japanese and Chinese and the members of the Japanese and Chinese Diets will be in possession of it in due course. Mr Boland continues:-
‘We are entering into a strenuous campaign for recognition. For the first time in the history of the Irish in America, they are alive to the situation and are now organised intelligently, and are displaying great initiative in securing results. Whereas up to the time the President left this country there was but one central office for American Organisations friendly to Ireland, to-day thanks to the efforts of our friends, we have 56 offices throughout the States. The American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic hopes to complete its labours ere the next year dawns and the atmosphere round Washington is fairly friendly, I think that we can guarantee that Ireland’s case will be well ventilated during this session in Congress.’
Copies of ‘Ireland’s Request for Recognition’ to the number of about 5,000 were sent to all Embassies and Legations and important personages in North and South America, Canada, South Africa, Australia and Europe; also to all United States Congressmen and Senators, and all members of the British House of Commons, all members of Canadian Legislatures, all members of the Relief Committees in New York and Washington, and important friends in all parts of the World. Arrangements have also been made to have copies distributed amongst the officers of the American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic all over the United States.
Concerning the April Convention Mr. Boland reports:-
‘The greatest Convention over held in America (A.A.R.I.R.) has come and gone and certainly the gathering was a magnificent justification for the stand taken by the President during his stay here, I could not adequately report the enthusiasm and spirit which animated the great gathering. It was certainly an inspiring sight to see the delegates numbering over 5,000 representing the 48 States of the Union each vying with the other in their efforts to get behind the people of Ireland in their struggle … the time for action is now. The Senate Resolutions have been introduced Senator La Follotte has made his opening speech. The Resolutions have now been referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the full force of the public opinion must be directed towards securing the reporting out of these resolutions. All are agreed that it can be done and we must needs, therefore, lend our every effort to secure the full pressure of the Association behind these resolutions. The A.A.R.I.R. have set up a Legislative Committee. We have decided that during this session of Congress at least two members of the Committee shall be on the spot here at Washington. Each separate State will also have its legislative committee and we hope to get sympathetic resolutions through many State Legislatures. Already the following State Legislatures have passed resolutions urging President Harding to recognise our Republic:- New Jersey, Montana, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.’
Mr. Stephen O’Mara, Plenipotentiary Representative of the Trustees of Dail Eireann has proceeded to the United States where his main duty will be to make provision for the raising of a new loan of twenty million dollars.
Italy - Since May last an Irish Bulletin has been published in Rome containing Irish news and for propaganda purposes in general. The visit of Archbishop Mannix to Rome did great good to our cause at the Vatican where it was feared that English intrigue and lying propaganda would succeed in inducing the Pope to make a statement calculated to do immense harm to the Irish Republican Cause. This danger it would appear is now past but is always to be guarded against as the propaganda is certain to be renewed as soon as the remarkable effect created by Archbishop Mannix’s visit is thought to have worn off. In a recent memo Mr Gavan Duffy writing relative to the then pending general election to the Parliament of Italy stated that the Catholic Popular Party is likely to come back less strong, but the system of proportional representation will secure them some show in the New House. ‘These’ he continues, ‘are our best friends, but there is generally a good disposition in the other parties, save perhaps among the Masons, who compose the Liberal Party now in office, and are only luke warm at best.’ The election has since taken place but thus far it is not possible to estimate as to the amount of support our cause is likely to receive in the new Parliament further than to mention that it bodes well to find that the Catholic Party was returned at practically the same strength as before.
Since taking up residence in Rome Mr Gavan Duffy has been responsible for much Propaganda work. This was badly needed as hitherto opinion there has been very friendly but ignorant.
Spain - A Press Bureau has been established in Madrid where a ‘Bulletin’ is being issued under the charge of Miss O’Brien. There are strong hopes that the results will prove highly satisfactory. Mr Gavan Duffy reported on his recent visit to Spain that ‘No country in Europe holds Ireland in such honour and affection, except Catalonia where our name stands higher still. I visited Salamanca and had enthusiastic reception from students of Irish College. The College stands high in popular estimation. Better and more information is badly wanted especially to correct false wires from London. Irish Nuns in Madrid who are very influential in high circles are all with us. Dr O’Doherty spent a week with me in Madrid and we were extremely well received everywhere. Spain has a big influence in South America. The Dominicans who are very powerful in Spain are very enthusiastic for Ireland. I found people very receptive. If we made ourselves strong in Madrid the result would be of the utmost importance in Rome where Spain stands very high indeed. Many newspapers friendly towards Ireland -—some absolutely pro-Irish. We stand very high in Spain, but there is a big field open and untilled.’
Germany - A Press Bureau has lately been established in Berlin where the initial work regarding the issuing of a ‘Bulletin’ having been carried out by a talented young Dublin lady is being continued by the newly appointed envoy. There is an active pro-Irish Society in Germany. A number of our friends in Berlin are rendering assistance in the publication of the ‘Bulletin’ which we have been informed has met with an encouraging reception. Following his recent visit to Germany Mr Gavan Duffy strongly emphasised the urgency and importance of real hard work on our behalf in that country. He wrote:- ‘I feel that, believing in the rise of Germany as I do, I can hardly exaggerate either the importance of this or its urgency. I found the Germans exceedingly friendly but the agencies are bad and knowledge scanty. There is a certain amount of admiration here as everywhere else, for the magnificent bravery of our fight, but I think the predominant factor in sustaining interest is a lively sense of our potential value to the enemies of England. But in Germany as elsewhere, I found some scepticism as to our power of holding out or as to our persistence in no compromise against such odds, a feeling that I have had to combat and dispel everywhere’.
Switzerland - A ‘Bulletin’ is being issued in Fribourg by a Committee of which Father Staunton is in charge. Our friends in Switzerland are founding a pro-Irish organisation there. Our Paris Representative (Mr Sean T. O’Ceallaigh T.D.) considers this plan a good one and recommends that it be aided financially. We are awaiting an estimate from him as to the proposed expenditure before taking further action.
South Africa - The Irish in South Africa are organising effectively to give what support they can to the Cause of the Republic. Two envoys recently sent to South Africa have submitted reports which on the whole may be regarded as encouraging. Mr. Little states that the way has been well prepared for the Irish Mission. An Irish Republican Association was started about six months ago with a fortnightly journal ‘The Republic’. There were ten branches of the Irish Republican Association represented at the first annual general meeting in Bloomfontein in February. Since then three new branches have been formed. The Central Council sent a deputation to General Smuts prior to his departure to England. The Dutch papers are favourable to Ireland, the English papers are entirely Jingo. Mr Little attended at Johannesburg a conference of 20 branches of the Irish Republican Association which appointed sub-committees (1) for Trade (2) Organisation and (3) to draft memo and arrange deputation to General Smuts. The other envoy reports that the Republican question in South Africa is not ended and will divide the people there for many years; each side is striving to strengthen its position. All cables and wireless companies southward and eastward are in English hands and publish nothing but English propaganda. The majority of the Irish are favourable but are followers of General Smuts. They are mostly quite ignorant on the Irish Question but may be redeemed by the present movement.
Denmark - Pamphlets of a propagandist nature are being issued in Paris and distributed through Denmark where we have a number of friends interesting themselves in the Cause of the Irish Republic. In connection with our activities in Denmark it is to be noted that Mr Gerald O’Loughlin who had been working there unofficially in the interests of Ireland was recently called before the police authorities and ordered to cease propaganda work for Ireland. Mr O’Loughlin has since been trying to organise a small committee of local people to undertake the work. Reports go to show that Denmark is almost the most pro-English country in Europe.
Canada - The Irish self-determination league of which Mr Lindsay Crawford is President is making good progress in Canada where our friends are working hard in the way of organisation with a view to rendering effective service to the Republican Cause. Mr Osmond Esmonde, Republican Envoy, was recently arrested in Vancouver on a charge of ‘Sedition’ and ordered to be deported. We have been officially informed through the U.S. that the allegation contained in the charge was faked — that Mr Esmonde gave no undertaking on arriving in Vancouver, and that he made no speech in public. It is also noted that the Oath which Mr Esmonde was required to take before being allowed into Australia was specially prepared and that no other person since or before has been asked to take such an oath. This is as an instance of enemy interference to prevent the true facts of our case being laid before the people of other countries. In a letter dated April 15th Mr Harry Boland writing from U.S. stated that he hoped to have a Canadian member of parliament read the ‘Address to the Representatives of Foreign Nations’ in the Canadian Congress. The following is a copy of the letter received by Mr Boland from the Secretary of the Canadian League for Self Determination:-
‘I beg to say that the National Executive of the Self Determination League of Canada for Ireland and Newfoundland will do everything possible to influence this country’s delegates to the Imperial Conference, and with that end in view we are endeavouring to bring strong pressure there in order to create a favourable opinion towards Ireland. We sincerely appreciate the trust placed in us by President De Valera And Would Request You To Extend To Him Our Sincere Thanks.’
Russia - Dr McCartan T.D. our envoy in Russia arrived there in February. A report from him lately to hand states that he had an interview with the Foreign Minister who seemed pretty well informed on the Irish Question. After the interview Dr McCartan was asked to make his request in writing and was promised speedy discussion and decision. He was informed however, that no action would be taken until Russia had first concluded the Trade Treaty with England. Dr McCartan handed in his request in writing; he states that he was assured that the Trade Treaty with England would not in any way affect the question of Russia recognising Ireland. The Russian Foreign Office had got the impression that Ireland would compromise, and that this affected their readiness to recognise.
France - Mr Sean T. O’Ceallaigh T.D. continues to look after our interests in Paris and has also rendered effective service in connection with Press and Propaganda work in Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and Belgium. Recent events go to show that the Irish cause is occupying big space in the French Press and that our position there is improving from day to day. Our Representative Mr Sean T. O’Ceallaigh in a recent report says:-
‘The recent turn of events at home has once again quickened the interest of the French people and press in the future of Ireland. Not a single day passes now without one or more than one of the principal papers in Paris publishing long special articles on the Irish situation and the possible outcome of the present conferences in London. There is no doubt whatsoever but that the sympathy of all elements of the population here is with us; there is no country in the world, where there is not a large Irish population, that would welcome with greater joy a conclusion to the Irish fight for independence satisfactory to the Irish people. The numbers of enquiries and callers here daily, alone would prove this. All shades of people and all politics are represented among those who come here looking for information or to merely express their sympathy .’
Australia - Mr James Donovan acting State Secretary, Self Determination League for Ireland of Australia lately forwarded copies of the constitution of that organisation which pledges its members ‘To secure organised support for the right of the people of Ireland to choose freely, without coercion or dictation from outside, their own Governmental Institutions and their political relationship with other states and peoples.’ Press extracts go to show that the League is gaining in support despite big opposition. Our Cause in Australia will be considerably strengthened following the return to that country of Archbishop Mannix who rendered such excellent service in Rome and elsewhere. A special envoy of the Republic arrived in Australia in February.
London - Our interests in London are looked after by Mr Art O’Brien, who, of late however, has been considerably hampered in his work owing to raids, arrests and deportations. Following a recent decision of the Ministry to allocate £4,000 per annum towards our London establishment, Mr Art O’Brien wrote stating that that amount would enable him to go ahead without the constant anxiety he had experienced up to then in relation to finances. He had engaged a permanent manger and was making other arrangements to enable the work of the Mission to proceed on an effective basis when the late raids interfered greatly with his activities, the newly appointed manager Mr C.B. Dutton being arrested and deported to Ireland. Mr O’Brien now states that the arrests and raids have made such a terrible mess of things that it will be a long time before he can get things straight. Mr F. Murphy of the London office has already been arrested and deported after the place had been raided and correspondence etc., carried away. The Irish Self Determination League of which Mr O’Brien is Vice-President are themselves issuing a review of a propagandist nature. The League has been organised on a firm basis throughout Britain and has been rendering good service to the Irish Republican Cause.
World Conference of [the] Irish Race - The Irish Republican Association of South Africa recently forwarded to the Irish Self-determination League of Great Britain a resolution urging the calling together of a Conference of the Irish Race throughout the world at which delegates would be present from Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Newfoundland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the South American countries, and Spain, Austria and France etc., and which would proceed to take such steps as might be deemed advisable to assist the cause of the Irish Republic. This suggestion being deemed an admirable one, and, is being acted upon and it is hoped to bring off the conference in Paris or some other country next January. Needless to say a good deal of organising work will be required but the preliminary arrangements are already well in hand.
No. 104 NAI DE 4/4/2
Department of Foreign Affairs Report
Dublin, 10 August 1921
On his return from America, the President having in view the importance of strengthening and increasing our representation in foreign countries, the co-ordination of the work of our Foreign Representatives and the necessity of getting these representatives in closer touch than was hitherto possible, deemed it wise to establish a separate office for the department of foreign affairs.
The work of this department had hitherto been centred in the office of the General Secretary, who had done splendid work in spite of the fact that he could only give the Department a fraction of his time. The new office was established in February of this year and since then a good deal has been done in the matter of co-ordinating the work or our Foreign Representatives and of keeping them closely informed on the situation at home. Special envoys have been sent to Germany, Russia, South America and South Africa, an accredited representative has been appointed in Germany; press bureaux have been established in Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Rome and the organisation of similar bureaux in South Africa, Australia, Chile and the Argentine is under way. In addition the organisation in the United States has been put on a new basis.
The Foreign establishments of the Republic at present are as follows:-
Paris Representative - Mr Sean T. O’Ceallaigh T.D.
Rome - Mr George Gavan Duffy T.D.
U.S. - Mr Harry Boland T.D.
London - Mr Art O’Brien
Germany - Mr J.[ohn] C.[hartres]
Russia - Dr. P. McCartan T.D.
Argentine - Mr Eamon Bulfin
Chile - Mr Frank W. Egan.
Official Press Bureaux are working in Paris, Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Fribourg and the United States while active propaganda is also being done in Denmark, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and the South American Republics.
The Department of F.A. is kept in close touch with the Trade and Publicity Departments so as to ensure that the best results will be obtained from the co-ordination of the work of our Foreign Representatives.
One of the first duties of the Department was the preparation of the material accompanying the ‘Address to the Representatives of Foreign Nations’, which was adopted at the January Session of An Dail. This document was forwarded to our Foreign Representatives with instructions to have it translated into the different languages and delivered to each elected representative in the following countries:- France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Austria, Czecho Slovakia, Hungary, Rumania, Switzerland, Turkey, Jugo Slavia, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Japan, China, Philippines, the British Colonies and all countries on the American Continent. A great deal of this work has already been done. Arrangements have been made to have the Address read before the United States Senate and it is hoped that the same may be done in many other countries. Our Representatives in France, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Chile are working in this direction.
Particulars on the work being done in the various countries are as follows:-
Argentine: - Through our Representative in Buenos Aires (Mr Eamon Bulfin) steps are being taken for the issue in that country of a ‘Bulletin’ the material for which would be derived from the ‘Irish Bulletin’ and other sources of propaganda. We are at present awaiting from Mr. Bulfin an estimate of the probable cost of the proposed production.
Though communication from home with the Argentine is difficult and slow Mr Bulfin’s reports afford great encouragement as to the support that might be expected there for the Republican cause. He emphasises, however, the urgent need that exists of educating the whole people of the Argentine — as distinct from the Irish there — to the true position of Ireland and her claim to recognition as an Independent Republic, and considers that a publication something similar to that proposed would effect enormous good in this direction as well as helping to secure a solid footing for a special mission from Ireland to the Argentine. In the opinion of Mr Bulfin the President of the Argentine is favourably disposed towards the Irish Republican Cause, and if the United States Government recognised the Irish Republic he (Mr. Bulfin) feels sure that the Argentine Government would do likewise. Mr. Bulfin mentions local differences and animosities resulting from a split of ten years ago as factors operating against the power of the Irish in the Argentine but here again he believes the ‘Bulletin’ could be put to good use in wiping out misunderstandings and working towards complete and effective reorganisation. A number of newspapers published in the Argentine are friendly disposed towards the Irish Cause. Mr. Ginnell T.D. who has been sent as special envoy on a mission to the Argentine and the other South American Republics, was present by official invitation at the Te Deum to commemorate the Independence of Peru.
Chile - Mr Frank W. Egan, our honorary Representative in Santiago reports that the elections in March to the National Congress proved favourable for the Democratic and Labour parties. At the opening in June of the two legislative bodies the Senate held a slight conservative majority, but in the House of Representatives the Democratic, Radical and Labour Parties combined to form a majority and will work together. Mr Egan hopes to get forward a declaration from this assembly, and with this end in view is working with several of the new deputies. Plans are being laid for the formation of an Irish Association and Mr Egan hopes for great success, judging from the results of his appeal to all Irishmen to join the organisation known as the ‘Irish Colony of Chile’. In a report recently received from a gentleman in Santiago, genuinely sympathetic towards the Irish Cause, and a close friend of the new President, the writer states that the latter is in sympathy with the Irish Cause and adds:- ‘The great point is that recognition (of the Irish Republic) by Chile would inevitably bring recognition by the Argentine and possibly Brazil as well in addition to acting as an incentive to the United States to take the step over which they appear to be hesitating’.
We are making enquiries as to the feasibility of issuing a ‘Bulletin’ in Chile on the same lines as that proposed for the Argentine. Meanwhile a magazine ‘The American World’ published twice monthly in Valparaiso strongly advocates Irish Independence.
United States - Reports from the United States continue encouraging, the Irish Cause gaining in sympathy and support there each day. Arrangements have been made to have the ‘Address to the Representatives of Foreign Nations’ adopted at the January Session of the Dail, read to the Senate of the United States, and distributed to every elected representative in Canada, Newfoundland, Argentine, Bolivia and every other country on the American Continent. The ‘Address’ is also being translated into Japanese and Chinese and the members of the Japanese and Chinese Diets will be in possession of it in due course. Mr Boland continues:-
‘We are entering into a strenuous campaign for recognition. For the first time in the history of the Irish in America, they are alive to the situation and are now organised intelligently, and are displaying great initiative in securing results. Whereas up to the time the President left this country there was but one central office for American Organisations friendly to Ireland, to-day thanks to the efforts of our friends, we have 56 offices throughout the States. The American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic hopes to complete its labours ere the next year dawns and the atmosphere round Washington is fairly friendly, I think that we can guarantee that Ireland’s case will be well ventilated during this session in Congress.’
Copies of ‘Ireland’s Request for Recognition’ to the number of about 5,000 were sent to all Embassies and Legations and important personages in North and South America, Canada, South Africa, Australia and Europe; also to all United States Congressmen and Senators, and all members of the British House of Commons, all members of Canadian Legislatures, all members of the Relief Committees in New York and Washington, and important friends in all parts of the World. Arrangements have also been made to have copies distributed amongst the officers of the American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic all over the United States.
Concerning the April Convention Mr. Boland reports:-
‘The greatest Convention over held in America (A.A.R.I.R.) has come and gone and certainly the gathering was a magnificent justification for the stand taken by the President during his stay here, I could not adequately report the enthusiasm and spirit which animated the great gathering. It was certainly an inspiring sight to see the delegates numbering over 5,000 representing the 48 States of the Union each vying with the other in their efforts to get behind the people of Ireland in their struggle … the time for action is now. The Senate Resolutions have been introduced Senator La Follotte has made his opening speech. The Resolutions have now been referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the full force of the public opinion must be directed towards securing the reporting out of these resolutions. All are agreed that it can be done and we must needs, therefore, lend our every effort to secure the full pressure of the Association behind these resolutions. The A.A.R.I.R. have set up a Legislative Committee. We have decided that during this session of Congress at least two members of the Committee shall be on the spot here at Washington. Each separate State will also have its legislative committee and we hope to get sympathetic resolutions through many State Legislatures. Already the following State Legislatures have passed resolutions urging President Harding to recognise our Republic:- New Jersey, Montana, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.’
Mr. Stephen O’Mara, Plenipotentiary Representative of the Trustees of Dail Eireann has proceeded to the United States where his main duty will be to make provision for the raising of a new loan of twenty million dollars.
Italy - Since May last an Irish Bulletin has been published in Rome containing Irish news and for propaganda purposes in general. The visit of Archbishop Mannix to Rome did great good to our cause at the Vatican where it was feared that English intrigue and lying propaganda would succeed in inducing the Pope to make a statement calculated to do immense harm to the Irish Republican Cause. This danger it would appear is now past but is always to be guarded against as the propaganda is certain to be renewed as soon as the remarkable effect created by Archbishop Mannix’s visit is thought to have worn off. In a recent memo Mr Gavan Duffy writing relative to the then pending general election to the Parliament of Italy stated that the Catholic Popular Party is likely to come back less strong, but the system of proportional representation will secure them some show in the New House. ‘These’ he continues, ‘are our best friends, but there is generally a good disposition in the other parties, save perhaps among the Masons, who compose the Liberal Party now in office, and are only luke warm at best.’ The election has since taken place but thus far it is not possible to estimate as to the amount of support our cause is likely to receive in the new Parliament further than to mention that it bodes well to find that the Catholic Party was returned at practically the same strength as before.
Since taking up residence in Rome Mr Gavan Duffy has been responsible for much Propaganda work. This was badly needed as hitherto opinion there has been very friendly but ignorant.
Spain - A Press Bureau has been established in Madrid where a ‘Bulletin’ is being issued under the charge of Miss O’Brien. There are strong hopes that the results will prove highly satisfactory. Mr Gavan Duffy reported on his recent visit to Spain that ‘No country in Europe holds Ireland in such honour and affection, except Catalonia where our name stands higher still. I visited Salamanca and had enthusiastic reception from students of Irish College. The College stands high in popular estimation. Better and more information is badly wanted especially to correct false wires from London. Irish Nuns in Madrid who are very influential in high circles are all with us. Dr O’Doherty spent a week with me in Madrid and we were extremely well received everywhere. Spain has a big influence in South America. The Dominicans who are very powerful in Spain are very enthusiastic for Ireland. I found people very receptive. If we made ourselves strong in Madrid the result would be of the utmost importance in Rome where Spain stands very high indeed. Many newspapers friendly towards Ireland -—some absolutely pro-Irish. We stand very high in Spain, but there is a big field open and untilled.’
Germany - A Press Bureau has lately been established in Berlin where the initial work regarding the issuing of a ‘Bulletin’ having been carried out by a talented young Dublin lady is being continued by the newly appointed envoy. There is an active pro-Irish Society in Germany. A number of our friends in Berlin are rendering assistance in the publication of the ‘Bulletin’ which we have been informed has met with an encouraging reception. Following his recent visit to Germany Mr Gavan Duffy strongly emphasised the urgency and importance of real hard work on our behalf in that country. He wrote:- ‘I feel that, believing in the rise of Germany as I do, I can hardly exaggerate either the importance of this or its urgency. I found the Germans exceedingly friendly but the agencies are bad and knowledge scanty. There is a certain amount of admiration here as everywhere else, for the magnificent bravery of our fight, but I think the predominant factor in sustaining interest is a lively sense of our potential value to the enemies of England. But in Germany as elsewhere, I found some scepticism as to our power of holding out or as to our persistence in no compromise against such odds, a feeling that I have had to combat and dispel everywhere’.
Switzerland - A ‘Bulletin’ is being issued in Fribourg by a Committee of which Father Staunton is in charge. Our friends in Switzerland are founding a pro-Irish organisation there. Our Paris Representative (Mr Sean T. O’Ceallaigh T.D.) considers this plan a good one and recommends that it be aided financially. We are awaiting an estimate from him as to the proposed expenditure before taking further action.
South Africa - The Irish in South Africa are organising effectively to give what support they can to the Cause of the Republic. Two envoys recently sent to South Africa have submitted reports which on the whole may be regarded as encouraging. Mr. Little states that the way has been well prepared for the Irish Mission. An Irish Republican Association was started about six months ago with a fortnightly journal ‘The Republic’. There were ten branches of the Irish Republican Association represented at the first annual general meeting in Bloomfontein in February. Since then three new branches have been formed. The Central Council sent a deputation to General Smuts prior to his departure to England. The Dutch papers are favourable to Ireland, the English papers are entirely Jingo. Mr Little attended at Johannesburg a conference of 20 branches of the Irish Republican Association which appointed sub-committees (1) for Trade (2) Organisation and (3) to draft memo and arrange deputation to General Smuts. The other envoy reports that the Republican question in South Africa is not ended and will divide the people there for many years; each side is striving to strengthen its position. All cables and wireless companies southward and eastward are in English hands and publish nothing but English propaganda. The majority of the Irish are favourable but are followers of General Smuts. They are mostly quite ignorant on the Irish Question but may be redeemed by the present movement.
Denmark - Pamphlets of a propagandist nature are being issued in Paris and distributed through Denmark where we have a number of friends interesting themselves in the Cause of the Irish Republic. In connection with our activities in Denmark it is to be noted that Mr Gerald O’Loughlin who had been working there unofficially in the interests of Ireland was recently called before the police authorities and ordered to cease propaganda work for Ireland. Mr O’Loughlin has since been trying to organise a small committee of local people to undertake the work. Reports go to show that Denmark is almost the most pro-English country in Europe.
Canada - The Irish self-determination league of which Mr Lindsay Crawford is President is making good progress in Canada where our friends are working hard in the way of organisation with a view to rendering effective service to the Republican Cause. Mr Osmond Esmonde, Republican Envoy, was recently arrested in Vancouver on a charge of ‘Sedition’ and ordered to be deported. We have been officially informed through the U.S. that the allegation contained in the charge was faked — that Mr Esmonde gave no undertaking on arriving in Vancouver, and that he made no speech in public. It is also noted that the Oath which Mr Esmonde was required to take before being allowed into Australia was specially prepared and that no other person since or before has been asked to take such an oath. This is as an instance of enemy interference to prevent the true facts of our case being laid before the people of other countries. In a letter dated April 15th Mr Harry Boland writing from U.S. stated that he hoped to have a Canadian member of parliament read the ‘Address to the Representatives of Foreign Nations’ in the Canadian Congress. The following is a copy of the letter received by Mr Boland from the Secretary of the Canadian League for Self Determination:-
‘I beg to say that the National Executive of the Self Determination League of Canada for Ireland and Newfoundland will do everything possible to influence this country’s delegates to the Imperial Conference, and with that end in view we are endeavouring to bring strong pressure there in order to create a favourable opinion towards Ireland. We sincerely appreciate the trust placed in us by President De Valera And Would Request You To Extend To Him Our Sincere Thanks.’
Russia - Dr McCartan T.D. our envoy in Russia arrived there in February. A report from him lately to hand states that he had an interview with the Foreign Minister who seemed pretty well informed on the Irish Question. After the interview Dr McCartan was asked to make his request in writing and was promised speedy discussion and decision. He was informed however, that no action would be taken until Russia had first concluded the Trade Treaty with England. Dr McCartan handed in his request in writing; he states that he was assured that the Trade Treaty with England would not in any way affect the question of Russia recognising Ireland. The Russian Foreign Office had got the impression that Ireland would compromise, and that this affected their readiness to recognise.
France - Mr Sean T. O’Ceallaigh T.D. continues to look after our interests in Paris and has also rendered effective service in connection with Press and Propaganda work in Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and Belgium. Recent events go to show that the Irish cause is occupying big space in the French Press and that our position there is improving from day to day. Our Representative Mr Sean T. O’Ceallaigh in a recent report says:-
‘The recent turn of events at home has once again quickened the interest of the French people and press in the future of Ireland. Not a single day passes now without one or more than one of the principal papers in Paris publishing long special articles on the Irish situation and the possible outcome of the present conferences in London. There is no doubt whatsoever but that the sympathy of all elements of the population here is with us; there is no country in the world, where there is not a large Irish population, that would welcome with greater joy a conclusion to the Irish fight for independence satisfactory to the Irish people. The numbers of enquiries and callers here daily, alone would prove this. All shades of people and all politics are represented among those who come here looking for information or to merely express their sympathy .’
Australia - Mr James Donovan acting State Secretary, Self Determination League for Ireland of Australia lately forwarded copies of the constitution of that organisation which pledges its members ‘To secure organised support for the right of the people of Ireland to choose freely, without coercion or dictation from outside, their own Governmental Institutions and their political relationship with other states and peoples.’ Press extracts go to show that the League is gaining in support despite big opposition. Our Cause in Australia will be considerably strengthened following the return to that country of Archbishop Mannix who rendered such excellent service in Rome and elsewhere. A special envoy of the Republic arrived in Australia in February.
London - Our interests in London are looked after by Mr Art O’Brien, who, of late however, has been considerably hampered in his work owing to raids, arrests and deportations. Following a recent decision of the Ministry to allocate £4,000 per annum towards our London establishment, Mr Art O’Brien wrote stating that that amount would enable him to go ahead without the constant anxiety he had experienced up to then in relation to finances. He had engaged a permanent manger and was making other arrangements to enable the work of the Mission to proceed on an effective basis when the late raids interfered greatly with his activities, the newly appointed manager Mr C.B. Dutton being arrested and deported to Ireland. Mr O’Brien now states that the arrests and raids have made such a terrible mess of things that it will be a long time before he can get things straight. Mr F. Murphy of the London office has already been arrested and deported after the place had been raided and correspondence etc., carried away. The Irish Self Determination League of which Mr O’Brien is Vice-President are themselves issuing a review of a propagandist nature. The League has been organised on a firm basis throughout Britain and has been rendering good service to the Irish Republican Cause.
World Conference of [the] Irish Race - The Irish Republican Association of South Africa recently forwarded to the Irish Self-determination League of Great Britain a resolution urging the calling together of a Conference of the Irish Race throughout the world at which delegates would be present from Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Newfoundland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the South American countries, and Spain, Austria and France etc., and which would proceed to take such steps as might be deemed advisable to assist the cause of the Irish Republic. This suggestion being deemed an admirable one, and, is being acted upon and it is hoped to bring off the conference in Paris or some other country next January. Needless to say a good deal of organising work will be required but the preliminary arrangements are already well in hand.
Letter from Diarmuid Lynch to Judge Cohalan, August 10, 1921. (1 page - remainder missing)
Transcription
Dear Judge.
I am thinking of sending McH[1] to Detroit & feel that he should go straight to Bishop G[2] & inform him as to where he has been at. Of course this should be given to G for his personal information solely.
Mc [Hugh] said to me that you are desirous that he should go to Westport[3] for a further talk, but in my opinion he should go to Detroit first. In case wire re. the foregoing
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footnotes
[1] McHugh - James McHugh was an American lawyer and the National Organiser for the Friends of Irish Freedom from c. 1920 onwards. Later to become 'a prominent member of the New York Bar'. Privately, he was also a member of Clan na Gael, the secret Irish-American Republican organisation and sister organisation to the IRB. He was an emissary from the Friends of Irish Freedom and Clann na Gael in June & July 1921 to Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith. More details here.
[2] Bishop Michael Gallagher of Detroit.
[3] Westport - upstate New York summer home of Judge Cohalan. By the mid-nineteenth century, Westport was a fashionable resort town. Its social scene was regularly reported on in The New York Times and by the Boston press. Like many other East Coast resorts, its popularity gradually declined, starting in the 1930s.
11
Franklin D. Roosevelt's paralytic illness strikes while he is holidaying on Campobello Island; he is later diagnosed with polio.
12
The British Cabinet met to discuss the letter from Dublin, with General’s Tudor and Macready called into consultation.
The British Cabinet met to discuss the letter from Dublin, with General’s Tudor and Macready called into consultation.
13
Lloyd George responds that the British Government could not acknowledge “ the right of Ireland to secede from her allegiance to the King” and that there could be no compromise on this but on the issue of Ulster ‘ we are prfoundly glad to have your agreement that Northern Ireland cannot be coerced.’
Lloyd George responds that the British Government could not acknowledge “ the right of Ireland to secede from her allegiance to the King” and that there could be no compromise on this but on the issue of Ulster ‘ we are prfoundly glad to have your agreement that Northern Ireland cannot be coerced.’
14
US – Sacco & Vanzetti found guilty of murdering two men during a payroll robbery in Massachusets in 1920.
Collins and Mulcahy reported to have said that Dublin Castle did most harm to Sinn Fein by restraining the Generals from going blindly on the rocks and wrecking themselves.
US – Sacco & Vanzetti found guilty of murdering two men during a payroll robbery in Massachusets in 1920.
Collins and Mulcahy reported to have said that Dublin Castle did most harm to Sinn Fein by restraining the Generals from going blindly on the rocks and wrecking themselves.
15
Full text of the British proposals, the Dail’s rejection to them and Lloyd George’s letter of the 13th were published in the press. A letter from Sir James Craig to Lloyd George was published the same day, in which Craig informed the PM that he would not meet with De Valera until the latter admitted that the Six Counties were independent of the rest of Ireland and recognised the powers and priviledges of the Northern Parliament.
Economic crisis in Germany grows as the Mark is devalued. £1 bought 340 marks.
Full text of the British proposals, the Dail’s rejection to them and Lloyd George’s letter of the 13th were published in the press. A letter from Sir James Craig to Lloyd George was published the same day, in which Craig informed the PM that he would not meet with De Valera until the latter admitted that the Six Counties were independent of the rest of Ireland and recognised the powers and priviledges of the Northern Parliament.
Economic crisis in Germany grows as the Mark is devalued. £1 bought 340 marks.
16
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil - 3rd Ministry debates. Day 1. Mansion House, Dublin. Public Session.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
Large crowds gathered in the city centre as the Second Dail Eireann met at the Mansion House, Dublin. 130 Republican, 6 Nationalist & 44 Unionist Members were entitled to sit, and all except the Unionist members assembled. ‘Seats of honour were reserved for relatives of men who had given their lives in the conflict and for members of the Republican Army disabled from wounds. The President and hs colleagues made their way to the Mnsion House amid storms of cheers and when they entered the Round Room those present rose and greeted them with applause which was prolonged until the speaker was obliged to silence it...’
Macardle. ’ The Irish Republic’ Irish Press, Dublin 1957. P.496
The 2nd Dail elected it’s ministry.
Elected unopposed as President ( a position that had not existed before then ), was De Valera.
The cabinet were:
Arthur Griffith - Foreign Affairs
Austin Stack - Home Affairs
Cathal Brugha - Defence
Michael Collins - Finance
W.T.Cosgrave - Local Government
Robert Barton - Economic Affairs
Count Plunkett - Arts
Kevin O’Higgins - to assist W.T.Cosgrave in Local Government.
Desmond Fitzgerald - Propaganda
JJ O’Kelly - Education
Countess Markievicz - Labour
Ernest Blythe - Trade & Commerce
Art O’Connor - Agriculture
Sean Etchingham - Fisheries.
Mitchell comments that de Valera ‘seemed to do some prevaricating about the republic. He asserted that the 1918 election had demonstrated a clear demand for self-Government, but ‘I do not say that the answer was for a form of Government so much, because we are not Republican doctinaires, but it was for Irish Freedom’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P303
One of the first items of business was to discuss the truce and appoint a delegation to go to London and negotiate a binding treaty.
While Dail Eireann met, Dublin Castle was putting the finishing touches to a draft proposal should war in Ireland be necessary. ‘Martial law for 26 counties entailing full recognition of state of war, beligerent status of IRA so long as they conform to the rules of war, blockade, complete shutting down of civil services such as Post Office etc and immediate transfer of full executive power to the Ulster Government. In Ulster alone would the army operate in aid of the civil power being itself paramount elesewhere. In the South the GOC and his divisional generals would in fact constitute a Crown Colony Government’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 213-4
Some impressions of Dáil Éireann
from The Irish Times 17 August 1921
Sinn Féin in the Flesh
First the opening of the Northern Parliament by His Majesty the King, then the hollow farce of the 'Southern Parliament' in the Department's building in Merrion Street, and now the Dáil. One approached the Mansion House yesterday morning in a certain spirit of adventure. One was about to meet Sinn Féin in the flesh and to see for oneself the men whose names have become household words throughout the country, and around whose figures popular legend has woven a web of almost medi3/4val romance. There was nothing romantic about the young men with green badges who were keeping order in Dawson Street. This was downright efficiency, possibly a little over-accentuated through eagerness, but working with admirable ease. A late comer had his yellow ticket carefully inspected by a self-possessed youngster, and was ushered into the Mansion House by a courteous guide, for whom the young men on the steps evidently had great respect. Inside the Round Room the atmosphere was stifling, and every available seat was occupied. There must have been at least fifteen hundred people in that room, and, so far as could be seen, there was no ventilation, with the exception of the doors. The large space roped off for the members of the Dáil was empty, and one envied their prospective occupants the luxurious arm chairs inside the bar of the House. All sorts and conditions of men and women were among the spectators. The gallery was thronged, and the body of the house was a dense mass of intensely interested relatives and friends of the members.
Shortly after the scheduled hour the crowd sprang to its feet, and the tall figure of Mr de Valera could be seen striding through an avenue of clapping hands and agitated bodies. He was followed by his colleagues of the Sinn Féin ministry in Indian file, and the remaining members of the Dáil in long procession. Mr O'Kelly, the Speaker of the old Dáil, took his seat in the leather-upholstered chair which, on a high dais, dominated the assembly. He was flanked on the right by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, and, on the left by Mr Frank Walsh, of the United States. Beneath him, to the right, Mr de Valera and the other Ministers - among whom, by the way, was Countess Markievicz without a hat - took their seats, and, as soon as the rank and file had distributed themselves on the cross benches - Mr Duggan being wise enough to secure one of the aforesaid arm chairs - the Speaker called upon the Reverend Father O'Flanagan to open the session with prayer. Thenceforth up to Mr de Valera's speech the proceedings were conducted in the Irish tongue. The new Speaker, Mr Eoin MacNeill, was elected and led to the chair by his predecessor, who was elegantly attired in morning dress.
Taking the Oath
The administration of the oath of allegiance to the Irish Republic was very interesting. It was taken by all the members standing with upraised right hands, and, of course, was repeated after the Clerk of the House in Irish. As the members came up individually to sign the register one had a good opportunity of taking stock of the better-known men. The calling of Mr Michael Collins's name was the signal for an outburst of applause, which, however, was silenced quickly by the Volunteer stewards. Mr Collins's appearance upset all the preconceived ideas of one who had known him only through the newspapers. He is tall, with a slight leaning towards embonpoint, and, with a great mass of jet black hair, gave one the impression of an almost Falstaffian geniality. Unless his looks belie him, Mr Collins has an abundant sense of humour. Mr Barton was debonnair and very well groomed, while his cousin, Mr Erskine Childers, looked rather worn and pale. Mr J.J. McKeon, whose approach to the table was greeted with uproarious enthusiasm, is the athlete pur sang. He, too, was different from what one had expected him to be. One of the most interesting figures of all was Mr Richard Mulcahy. Quiet, rather delicate-looking, and with features cast in an austere mould, he seems to be a man who is rather shy, but full of nervous energy.
A pathetic impression was made by Mrs O'Callaghan in her widow's weeds. Mr Brugha was unobtrusive, and confined his activities to occasional remarks to Count Plunkett. The others were mostly young men, very serious, and evidently impressed by the solemnity and magnitude of the task that awaits them. With a few exceptions they seemed to be well under forty years of age, and only one of them, Mr Pierce Beasley, who looked rather shaken, showed any outward signs of the ill-effects of his recent experiences.
When Mr de Valera got up to speak every body held his breath. What was he going to say? His first few sentences were terse and to the point, and one was impressed by the excellence of his delivery. 'We are not Republican doctrinaires,' he exclaimed, and a flash of hope lit up the atmosphere. But it soon disappeared. Speaking with great emphasis and obvious sincerity, Mr de Valera soared into the realms of pure theory and lofty idealism. One felt that like Yeats's poet he was hiding his head amid a crowd of stars; and reality began to dissolve in the quickening flow of his eloquence. One's thoughts were carried back to the frosty January morning in the Clock Room of the French Foreign Office when President Wilson was making his famous speech at the opening of the Paris Peace Conference. One had the same impression of moral fervour and passionate sincerity and the same unwelcome conviction that disillusionment lay in store. As a shrewd observer of human affairs remarked on that occasion when the American President resumed his seat. 'C'est magnifique; but it is not hard tacks.'
Ernest Blyth reported on the progress of the British trade exclusion orders…Irish manufacturers of the excluded goods all reported increased orders. The scheme had demonstrated that a ‘policy of progressively excluding British goods would work a complete industrial transformation’ moreover ‘if war is resumed, we will be able to strike a vital blow Anti-Treaty eh enemy with this policy’
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P247
The Truce meant business as usual for the boycott of Belfast and selected British goods. Joseph McDonagh told the Dail ‘ The Truce does not mean that the Belfast Boycott is off, but only that drastic measures cannot be taken at present’ and went on to cite attempts made to break the boycott by using British ‘front companies’ and also there were a number of Irish companies involved. However ‘every one of those had in the end to pay a fine of £100…and to sign an apology.’
The question and problem of unity amongst the Irish-American ranks was a subject that John Devoy came back to again and again, as in this case writing to Judge Cohalan and commenting on De Valera:
‘even yet, he leaves the door open and is evidently trying to bluff Lloyd George to get an offer of Home Rule for all Ireland. But all the same, his actions leaves us only one course. He can't turn back because the people won't let him and we must act as if he was acting consistently all along. We must even act with the fellows here who have been trying to break us up, to make an appearance of union’.
Cohalan replied writing ‘Your diagnosis of the situation in Ireland is correct. They are all in the Compromise plan and the people will accept anything they get. I am quite satisfied that de Valera arranged the whole thing – the series of mock heroic notes and the pretence of holding out for absolute freedom – with Lloyd George in those secret interviews, if he hadn’t done it before…’
Tansill. ‘America and the fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’. Devin-Adair. New York 1957. P.423
Macardle. ’ The Irish Republic’ Irish Press, Dublin 1957. P.496
The 2nd Dail elected it’s ministry.
Elected unopposed as President ( a position that had not existed before then ), was De Valera.
The cabinet were:
Arthur Griffith - Foreign Affairs
Austin Stack - Home Affairs
Cathal Brugha - Defence
Michael Collins - Finance
W.T.Cosgrave - Local Government
Robert Barton - Economic Affairs
Count Plunkett - Arts
Kevin O’Higgins - to assist W.T.Cosgrave in Local Government.
Desmond Fitzgerald - Propaganda
JJ O’Kelly - Education
Countess Markievicz - Labour
Ernest Blythe - Trade & Commerce
Art O’Connor - Agriculture
Sean Etchingham - Fisheries.
Mitchell comments that de Valera ‘seemed to do some prevaricating about the republic. He asserted that the 1918 election had demonstrated a clear demand for self-Government, but ‘I do not say that the answer was for a form of Government so much, because we are not Republican doctinaires, but it was for Irish Freedom’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P303
One of the first items of business was to discuss the truce and appoint a delegation to go to London and negotiate a binding treaty.
While Dail Eireann met, Dublin Castle was putting the finishing touches to a draft proposal should war in Ireland be necessary. ‘Martial law for 26 counties entailing full recognition of state of war, beligerent status of IRA so long as they conform to the rules of war, blockade, complete shutting down of civil services such as Post Office etc and immediate transfer of full executive power to the Ulster Government. In Ulster alone would the army operate in aid of the civil power being itself paramount elesewhere. In the South the GOC and his divisional generals would in fact constitute a Crown Colony Government’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 213-4
Some impressions of Dáil Éireann
from The Irish Times 17 August 1921
Sinn Féin in the Flesh
First the opening of the Northern Parliament by His Majesty the King, then the hollow farce of the 'Southern Parliament' in the Department's building in Merrion Street, and now the Dáil. One approached the Mansion House yesterday morning in a certain spirit of adventure. One was about to meet Sinn Féin in the flesh and to see for oneself the men whose names have become household words throughout the country, and around whose figures popular legend has woven a web of almost medi3/4val romance. There was nothing romantic about the young men with green badges who were keeping order in Dawson Street. This was downright efficiency, possibly a little over-accentuated through eagerness, but working with admirable ease. A late comer had his yellow ticket carefully inspected by a self-possessed youngster, and was ushered into the Mansion House by a courteous guide, for whom the young men on the steps evidently had great respect. Inside the Round Room the atmosphere was stifling, and every available seat was occupied. There must have been at least fifteen hundred people in that room, and, so far as could be seen, there was no ventilation, with the exception of the doors. The large space roped off for the members of the Dáil was empty, and one envied their prospective occupants the luxurious arm chairs inside the bar of the House. All sorts and conditions of men and women were among the spectators. The gallery was thronged, and the body of the house was a dense mass of intensely interested relatives and friends of the members.
Shortly after the scheduled hour the crowd sprang to its feet, and the tall figure of Mr de Valera could be seen striding through an avenue of clapping hands and agitated bodies. He was followed by his colleagues of the Sinn Féin ministry in Indian file, and the remaining members of the Dáil in long procession. Mr O'Kelly, the Speaker of the old Dáil, took his seat in the leather-upholstered chair which, on a high dais, dominated the assembly. He was flanked on the right by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, and, on the left by Mr Frank Walsh, of the United States. Beneath him, to the right, Mr de Valera and the other Ministers - among whom, by the way, was Countess Markievicz without a hat - took their seats, and, as soon as the rank and file had distributed themselves on the cross benches - Mr Duggan being wise enough to secure one of the aforesaid arm chairs - the Speaker called upon the Reverend Father O'Flanagan to open the session with prayer. Thenceforth up to Mr de Valera's speech the proceedings were conducted in the Irish tongue. The new Speaker, Mr Eoin MacNeill, was elected and led to the chair by his predecessor, who was elegantly attired in morning dress.
Taking the Oath
The administration of the oath of allegiance to the Irish Republic was very interesting. It was taken by all the members standing with upraised right hands, and, of course, was repeated after the Clerk of the House in Irish. As the members came up individually to sign the register one had a good opportunity of taking stock of the better-known men. The calling of Mr Michael Collins's name was the signal for an outburst of applause, which, however, was silenced quickly by the Volunteer stewards. Mr Collins's appearance upset all the preconceived ideas of one who had known him only through the newspapers. He is tall, with a slight leaning towards embonpoint, and, with a great mass of jet black hair, gave one the impression of an almost Falstaffian geniality. Unless his looks belie him, Mr Collins has an abundant sense of humour. Mr Barton was debonnair and very well groomed, while his cousin, Mr Erskine Childers, looked rather worn and pale. Mr J.J. McKeon, whose approach to the table was greeted with uproarious enthusiasm, is the athlete pur sang. He, too, was different from what one had expected him to be. One of the most interesting figures of all was Mr Richard Mulcahy. Quiet, rather delicate-looking, and with features cast in an austere mould, he seems to be a man who is rather shy, but full of nervous energy.
A pathetic impression was made by Mrs O'Callaghan in her widow's weeds. Mr Brugha was unobtrusive, and confined his activities to occasional remarks to Count Plunkett. The others were mostly young men, very serious, and evidently impressed by the solemnity and magnitude of the task that awaits them. With a few exceptions they seemed to be well under forty years of age, and only one of them, Mr Pierce Beasley, who looked rather shaken, showed any outward signs of the ill-effects of his recent experiences.
When Mr de Valera got up to speak every body held his breath. What was he going to say? His first few sentences were terse and to the point, and one was impressed by the excellence of his delivery. 'We are not Republican doctrinaires,' he exclaimed, and a flash of hope lit up the atmosphere. But it soon disappeared. Speaking with great emphasis and obvious sincerity, Mr de Valera soared into the realms of pure theory and lofty idealism. One felt that like Yeats's poet he was hiding his head amid a crowd of stars; and reality began to dissolve in the quickening flow of his eloquence. One's thoughts were carried back to the frosty January morning in the Clock Room of the French Foreign Office when President Wilson was making his famous speech at the opening of the Paris Peace Conference. One had the same impression of moral fervour and passionate sincerity and the same unwelcome conviction that disillusionment lay in store. As a shrewd observer of human affairs remarked on that occasion when the American President resumed his seat. 'C'est magnifique; but it is not hard tacks.'
Ernest Blyth reported on the progress of the British trade exclusion orders…Irish manufacturers of the excluded goods all reported increased orders. The scheme had demonstrated that a ‘policy of progressively excluding British goods would work a complete industrial transformation’ moreover ‘if war is resumed, we will be able to strike a vital blow Anti-Treaty eh enemy with this policy’
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P247
The Truce meant business as usual for the boycott of Belfast and selected British goods. Joseph McDonagh told the Dail ‘ The Truce does not mean that the Belfast Boycott is off, but only that drastic measures cannot be taken at present’ and went on to cite attempts made to break the boycott by using British ‘front companies’ and also there were a number of Irish companies involved. However ‘every one of those had in the end to pay a fine of £100…and to sign an apology.’
The question and problem of unity amongst the Irish-American ranks was a subject that John Devoy came back to again and again, as in this case writing to Judge Cohalan and commenting on De Valera:
‘even yet, he leaves the door open and is evidently trying to bluff Lloyd George to get an offer of Home Rule for all Ireland. But all the same, his actions leaves us only one course. He can't turn back because the people won't let him and we must act as if he was acting consistently all along. We must even act with the fellows here who have been trying to break us up, to make an appearance of union’.
Cohalan replied writing ‘Your diagnosis of the situation in Ireland is correct. They are all in the Compromise plan and the people will accept anything they get. I am quite satisfied that de Valera arranged the whole thing – the series of mock heroic notes and the pretence of holding out for absolute freedom – with Lloyd George in those secret interviews, if he hadn’t done it before…’
Tansill. ‘America and the fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’. Devin-Adair. New York 1957. P.423
17
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil - 3rd Ministry debates. Day 2. Mansion House, Dublin.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil - 3rd Ministry debates. Day 2. Mansion House, Dublin.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
Tensions grew in both London and Dublin. Threats of renewing warfare on Ireland were coming from the House of Lords, the House of Commons and the British Press. ‘for a moment around 17 August, the Government contemplated a new and severe military operation: but at last allowed itself to enter a long, classical and - in retrospect at least - beguiling correspondence, in which one side tried to entice the other into the Empire and the other refused to be trapped.’
George Dangerfield “ The Damnable Question - a study in Anglo-Irish relations” Constable, London. 1977. p329
Sir John Anderson wrote to the Chief Secretary that the British forces had been ‘fighting on a hopelessly extended front…hereto we have presented a front of almost infinite extension with our local post offices, income tax offices and individual members of every branch of the civil administration scattered all over the country and easy prey to the enemy who has taken toll of them at will’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p73
Anderson also commented that if the war was to be restarted, it would have to be fought on completely different lines involving an economic blockade and intense military occupation of only a few strategically important areas.
Below: John Devoy to Judge Cohalan.
Transcription:
Dear C. :
I am quite satisfied that D.V's [1] sudden zeal for the Republic is a case like Redmond's[2] with the Councils Bill[3]. Redmond, as you remember Lord MacDonnell[4] telling Judge Keogh[5], sat beside Asquith[6] while the bill was being drafted, approving every word of it and even making suggestions, and then when he got to Dublin and found the people and the delegates strong against it, turned round and led the fight against it. D.V. found the Cabinet firm for the Republic, then went to Munster and found the people the same way, so he determined to lead the fight against Lloyd George's "settlement". One of the cables said the other day that telegrams were pouring in on him and that practically all told him to stand firm for the Republic. Diarmuid[7] can't see anything in this because his old friendship with D.V. blinds him, but I never was more convinced of anything that I had not definite proof of in my life. If he did not intend to compromise, why make all the trouble here trying to smash every organisation and man that stood for the Republic. Even yet he leaves the door open and is evidently trying to bluff Lloyd George to get an offer of Home Rule for all Ireland.
But, all the same, his action leaves us only one course. He can't turn back, because the people won't let him and we must act as if he was acting consistently all along. We must even act with the fellows here who have been trying to break us up, to make an appearance of union. They are a poor lot, without brains, and will be no match for our trained men in committees and conventions. I don't see how we can avoid getting up a joint meeting in Madison Square Garden and calling a joint convention. Neither will be ideal, but they will provide new machinery and do away with the split. We have to face the hard facts of the situation, and the situation in Ireland will supply the incentive for the reorganisation and work to help the fighting men.
The Times despatch this morning says that Collins got more enthusiastic cheers than De Valera. We have to work hammer and tongs for some time to give direction to the new spirit that events in Ireland will surely create here. I must get away from some of the drudgery that keeps me in the office tied down and unfits me for thinking.
We had got together last night to make new arrangements about the paper[8], but the news from Ireland made necessary to tackle the bigger job first and that infernal telephone in Westport[9] kept us paralysed for hours before we could reach you. We got all the cablegrams by 2 o'clock this morning and Lynch will give them to the morning papers this evening. I did not get to bed till 4 o'clock. The day before I was 25 hours without sleep. This can't continue without a breakdown, but I am in good shape to-day. It is the result of the news and only three hours sleep this morning.
I must make a special feature of the news next week and attack [words illegible] till the situation takes a new turn. If you don't come down, I will make a run up to Westport when I get a chance, to have a talk.
Yours truly.
J.D.
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
[1] De Valera
[2] John Redmond
[3] The Irish Council Bill was a bill introduced and withdrawn from the UK Parliament in 1907 by the Campbell-Bannerman administration. It proposed the devolution of power, without Home Rule, to Ireland within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. A partly elected Irish Council would take control of many of the departments previously administered by Dublin Castle, and have limited tax-raising powers. The bill was introduced by Augustine Birrell, the newly appointed Chief Secretary for Ireland, on 7 May 1907. It was rejected by the United Irish League (UIL) at a conference in Dublin on 21 May, which meant the Irish Parliamentary Party (IPP) aligned to the UIL would oppose it in Parliament. Henry Campbell-Bannerman announced on 3 June that the government was dropping the bill, and it was formally withdrawn on 29 July.
Further details on the Irish Council Bill here.
[4] Lord MacDonnell: Antony Patrick MacDonnell, 1st Baron MacDonnell, GCSI, KCVO, PC (Ire) (7 March 1844 – 9 June 1925), known as Sir Antony MacDonnell between 1893 and 1908, was an Irish civil servant, much involved in the administration of India. He was Permanent Under-Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1902–1908); Member of the Council of India (1902); Privy Councillor (1902); Lieutenant-Governor of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh (1895–1901); Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal (1893–1895); Chief Commissioner of the Central Provinces (1890–1893); Chief Commissioner of Burma (1889–1890); Home Secretary to the Central Government of India (1886–1889); Secretary to the Government of Bengal and the Bengal Legislative Council.
Further details here
[5] Judge Keogh: Judge Martin Jerome Keogh. Born in New Ross, Co. Wexford in 1852 and emigrated to the United States at a young age. Settled in New Rochelle, New York,, graduated from New York University in 1875, founded the law firm Banks & Keogh and practised as a lawyer from 1875-1895. In 1895, he was elected to the New York Supreme Court, serving until retirement in 1922. Privately, Keogh acted as National Treasurer for the Gaelic League in the United States and had served as chairman for Douglas Hyde's American Committee prior to his 1905 tour. A close friend of John Quinn, Keogh was married to a distant relative of Robert Emmett. Died October 1928 aged 75. Interred in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, New York.
[6] Asquith: Herbert Henry Asquith, 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith, KG, PC, KC, FRS (12 September 1852 – 15 February 1928), generally known as H. H. Asquith, was a British statesman and Liberal politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1908 to 1916. He was the last prime minister to lead a majority Liberal government
[7] Diarmuid Lynch
[8] The Gaelic American Newspaper. Further details here.
[9] Westport, Adirondack, New York State. Judge Cohalan's summer home.
18
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil - 3rd Ministry debates. Day 3. Oak Room, Mansion House, Dublin. Private session.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil - 3rd Ministry debates. Day 3. Oak Room, Mansion House, Dublin. Private session.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
In a private session of Dail Eireann, de Valera stated that ‘the Irish in America had no political influence in national politics. No American president would recognise the Irish Republic at present,…thus ‘as far as getting recognition was concerned, they might put it out of their heads’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P300
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P300
19
Sturgis wrote of events in Dublin.. ‘ The IRA swagger about the Mansion House and the whole policy seems delay plus minor pin pricking – the arrogant silly vanity of monkeys. They have done nothing since the truce to win even a grudging respect from anybody….Basil Clarke tells me that he has it from Hugh Martin, the Daily News man that ‘an opposition’ is beginning to show its head in Dail Eireann in favour of a more decided peace policy that de Valera and that Griffith leads it. If this is true it may prolong the secret session [ of Dail Eireann ] and delay the reply but is all to the good. I am sure Griffith is worth ten of de Valera if they ever come to grips…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 214
In the House of Commons debate on begininning an Anglo-Irish negotiation: ‘The Government…are sincerely desirious that peace should ensue, that the mischevious, long misunderstanding..should be brought to an end. I hope that…Irish leaders will not reject the largest measure of freedom ever offered to their country..’
Conor O’Clery ‘Ireland in Quotes’ The O’Brien Press Dublin 1999 p.53
Unemployment in the UK down to 1,640,600
Sturgis wrote of events in Dublin.. ‘ The IRA swagger about the Mansion House and the whole policy seems delay plus minor pin pricking – the arrogant silly vanity of monkeys. They have done nothing since the truce to win even a grudging respect from anybody….Basil Clarke tells me that he has it from Hugh Martin, the Daily News man that ‘an opposition’ is beginning to show its head in Dail Eireann in favour of a more decided peace policy that de Valera and that Griffith leads it. If this is true it may prolong the secret session [ of Dail Eireann ] and delay the reply but is all to the good. I am sure Griffith is worth ten of de Valera if they ever come to grips…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 214
In the House of Commons debate on begininning an Anglo-Irish negotiation: ‘The Government…are sincerely desirious that peace should ensue, that the mischevious, long misunderstanding..should be brought to an end. I hope that…Irish leaders will not reject the largest measure of freedom ever offered to their country..’
Conor O’Clery ‘Ireland in Quotes’ The O’Brien Press Dublin 1999 p.53
Unemployment in the UK down to 1,640,600
20
British reports continued that the I.R.A was increasing it’s arms capacity throughout the country. Alarmed on one report that ‘the arrival of a number of Thompson sub-machine guns has been followed by the organisation of machine gun squads…[ there weapons were ] the most important new adjunct in the Sinn Fein armoury’ it concluded that ‘there is little doubt that the I.R.A is far better equipped than it was prior to the Truce’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P313
The reality was not as dramatic. Mitchell reveals that the I.R.A Quarter-Master General, Sean McMahon stated that the numbers of Thompson sub-machine guns rose from a ‘mere six before the Truce to fifty-one’ and war preparations continued unabated. ‘GHQ ordered an intense accumulation of war materials…the Departnment of Defence loaned £1,000 to the 1st Western Division for the establishment of arms factories. Moreover, the British forces were not able to prevent the smuggling of arms or their manufacture within the country’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P313
De Valera argued that Collins should attend the Treaty negotiations in London to which Collins said ‘Bring me into the spotlight of a London conference and quickly will be discoeverd the common clay of which I am made. The glamour of the legendary figure will be gone.’
New York: Diarmuid Lynch issued a statement from the Friends of Irish Freedom Headquarters to the New York American Newspaper:
British reports continued that the I.R.A was increasing it’s arms capacity throughout the country. Alarmed on one report that ‘the arrival of a number of Thompson sub-machine guns has been followed by the organisation of machine gun squads…[ there weapons were ] the most important new adjunct in the Sinn Fein armoury’ it concluded that ‘there is little doubt that the I.R.A is far better equipped than it was prior to the Truce’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P313
The reality was not as dramatic. Mitchell reveals that the I.R.A Quarter-Master General, Sean McMahon stated that the numbers of Thompson sub-machine guns rose from a ‘mere six before the Truce to fifty-one’ and war preparations continued unabated. ‘GHQ ordered an intense accumulation of war materials…the Departnment of Defence loaned £1,000 to the 1st Western Division for the establishment of arms factories. Moreover, the British forces were not able to prevent the smuggling of arms or their manufacture within the country’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P313
De Valera argued that Collins should attend the Treaty negotiations in London to which Collins said ‘Bring me into the spotlight of a London conference and quickly will be discoeverd the common clay of which I am made. The glamour of the legendary figure will be gone.’
New York: Diarmuid Lynch issued a statement from the Friends of Irish Freedom Headquarters to the New York American Newspaper:
The Friends of Irish Freedom are solidly and unalterably behind Dáil Éireann in a refusal to surrender the National Sovereignity of Ireland by entering a conference with the British Cabinet on the basis stipulated by Lloyd George.
Diarmuid Lynch's message reflects the attitude which he has consistently held towards President de Valera, and which has been known to a great many people, namely, that while realising and strongly condemning President de Valera's action in splitting the Friends of Ireland in America at a time when unity was essential to success, Lynch maintained that President de Valera had not parted and would not depart from the position of fighting for the recognition of the established Irish Republic.
Eileen McGough.'Diarmuid Lynch: A Forgotten Irish Patriot'. Mercier Press 2013. p153
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US – in the first demonstration of air to ship tactics, the former German cruiser Ostfiesland was sunk with 6, 2000 pound bombs in just 25 minutes.
Mass famine, with an estimated 18 million in danger of starvation, continued in Russia due to continuing economic crisis. On Aug. 21, the U.S. signs an agreement with Russia to provide relief, and by year's end, 1 million children are getting emergency food rations.
US – in the first demonstration of air to ship tactics, the former German cruiser Ostfiesland was sunk with 6, 2000 pound bombs in just 25 minutes.
Mass famine, with an estimated 18 million in danger of starvation, continued in Russia due to continuing economic crisis. On Aug. 21, the U.S. signs an agreement with Russia to provide relief, and by year's end, 1 million children are getting emergency food rations.
22
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil. 3rd Ministry debates. Day 4. Oak Room, Mansion House, Dublin. Private session.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil. 3rd Ministry debates. Day 4. Oak Room, Mansion House, Dublin. Private session.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
In another private session of Dail Eireann, de Valera told the assembly that ‘if they were determined that they would only make peace on the basis of recognition of the Republic, they were going to face war’. There was no use facing war again ‘unless they in Ireland were prepared for a Sherman’s March’. He also told the deputies that ‘if the Republic were recognised, he would be in favour of giving each country power to vote itself out of the Republic if it so wished’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P303
Hugh Martin of the Daily News in a report to M.T.Loughnane of the Dublin Castle administration gave this assessment of the Sinn Fein leadership:
‘de Valera was much in the hands of Erskine Childers, an extremist with all the uncompromising fanatacism of the convert, much valued for his literary and controversial ability; de Valera relieed upon his assistance in preparing speeches and letters – Childers also ran ‘The Bulletin’ which should be regarded as expressing the views of Childers rather than those of the Dail. Martin thinks that his influence is like to wane as he is coming to be recognised as a fanatic even by Sinn Fein. Owing to his domination by Childers it is difficult to say what are de Valera’s real views and what his attitude would be if left to himself.
The other extremists in favour of a war to the knife policy are Cathal Burgess [ Brugha ], Austin Stack and Richard Mulcahy. Martin describes Stack as straight, honourable but ruthless and very capable. Burgess owes much of his influence to his having been out in the rebellion of 1916 when he received many wounds…Eoin McNeill is much respected, is hardened and embittered by imprisonment and recent executions and may be reckoned on the extremist side.
On the side of peace and settlement on the basis of the Government’s offer are Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins, McKeown and James McNeill [ brother of John ]. Arthur Griffith despite his ability has less authority than de Valera. Collins is very influential with the rank and file oweing to his adventures but the direct control of the IRA is more in the hands of Mulcahy, Chief of Staff, and Burgess, Minister of Defence, than in his….
Ulster is the stumbling block – [ Martin ] hears little Republicanism talked; he agreed that England could not intervene to coerce Ulster, this would be a breach of faith and also inconsidtant with Sinn Fein principles of Independence, but he said men like Childers were impervious to this or any other argument. He thought that if discussion in the Dial was sufficiently protracted, moderate influences would prevail as all National Interest was on that side…
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 215
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P303
Hugh Martin of the Daily News in a report to M.T.Loughnane of the Dublin Castle administration gave this assessment of the Sinn Fein leadership:
‘de Valera was much in the hands of Erskine Childers, an extremist with all the uncompromising fanatacism of the convert, much valued for his literary and controversial ability; de Valera relieed upon his assistance in preparing speeches and letters – Childers also ran ‘The Bulletin’ which should be regarded as expressing the views of Childers rather than those of the Dail. Martin thinks that his influence is like to wane as he is coming to be recognised as a fanatic even by Sinn Fein. Owing to his domination by Childers it is difficult to say what are de Valera’s real views and what his attitude would be if left to himself.
The other extremists in favour of a war to the knife policy are Cathal Burgess [ Brugha ], Austin Stack and Richard Mulcahy. Martin describes Stack as straight, honourable but ruthless and very capable. Burgess owes much of his influence to his having been out in the rebellion of 1916 when he received many wounds…Eoin McNeill is much respected, is hardened and embittered by imprisonment and recent executions and may be reckoned on the extremist side.
On the side of peace and settlement on the basis of the Government’s offer are Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins, McKeown and James McNeill [ brother of John ]. Arthur Griffith despite his ability has less authority than de Valera. Collins is very influential with the rank and file oweing to his adventures but the direct control of the IRA is more in the hands of Mulcahy, Chief of Staff, and Burgess, Minister of Defence, than in his….
Ulster is the stumbling block – [ Martin ] hears little Republicanism talked; he agreed that England could not intervene to coerce Ulster, this would be a breach of faith and also inconsidtant with Sinn Fein principles of Independence, but he said men like Childers were impervious to this or any other argument. He thought that if discussion in the Dial was sufficiently protracted, moderate influences would prevail as all National Interest was on that side…
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 215
23
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil - 3rd Ministry debates. Day 5. Oak Room, Mansion House, Dublin. Private session.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil - 3rd Ministry debates. Day 5. Oak Room, Mansion House, Dublin. Private session.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
Dail Eireann met in private session and unanimously rejected the British terms.
De Valera also indicated that he did not wish to be one of the future plenipotentiaries to London. This action was to stir the most controversy in analysis of the Anglo-Irish peace talks and in it’s results. Professor J.J.Lee considers that de Valera ‘realised the republic was unattainable in the short term. Compromise was inevitable. The crude realities of power politics made some form of association with the British Empire unavoidable. De Valera warned the Dail as bluntly as was politically possible that compromise was inevitable. He stressed that he took office again as president only on condition that the Dail recognised that:
‘I have one allegiance only to the people of Ireland, and that is to do the best we can for the people of Ireland as we conceive it…I would not like, therefore, that anyone should propose me for election as president who would think I had y mind definitely made up on any situation that may arise. I keep myself free to consider each question as it arises – I never bind myself in any other way’
This came as close as de Valera could safely go in implying that the oath to the republic taken by members should be considered more a means to an end than an end in itself…de Valera rightly feared that doctrinaire republicans would reject any compromise'
J.J.Lee ‘Ireland 1912-88 Politics & Society’ p.48
Profeesor Lee comments that de Valera’s reasoning was that he would not become involved directly in Anglo-Irish negotiations, as he would then hold some credibility in the anticipated bitter controversy that was to follow, allowing him to ‘wean the doctrinaires into accepting ‘external association’ as an honourable soloution’
Mitchell comments that de Valera actually warned the Dail that ‘negotiations with the British Government probably would result in ‘sharp differences concerning the terms of settlement. He anticipated that ‘we will, therefore, have proposals brought back which cannot satisfy everybody and will not.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P303
An additional factor perhaps was de Valera’s study of Woodrow Wilson’s participation in the Versailles Peace Conference two years earlier. Mitchell comments on this that Wilson’s failure in Versailles was not due to his personal involvement.
Additional plans for war should negotiation fail shows that Macready favoured military action and blockade. Cope favoured killing ‘nobody and starve nobody – would leave them middle Ireland in which to do as they liked and incidentally go broke. He would hold all the ports which are with the exception of Limerick all the big towns and would at first stop nothing, not even coal, only doing so if they became aggressive..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 216
First results of the UK census taken in June show the effects of the war with a sex ratio of 1096 women to 1000 men. In 1911 this figure was 1068 to 1000.
De Valera also indicated that he did not wish to be one of the future plenipotentiaries to London. This action was to stir the most controversy in analysis of the Anglo-Irish peace talks and in it’s results. Professor J.J.Lee considers that de Valera ‘realised the republic was unattainable in the short term. Compromise was inevitable. The crude realities of power politics made some form of association with the British Empire unavoidable. De Valera warned the Dail as bluntly as was politically possible that compromise was inevitable. He stressed that he took office again as president only on condition that the Dail recognised that:
‘I have one allegiance only to the people of Ireland, and that is to do the best we can for the people of Ireland as we conceive it…I would not like, therefore, that anyone should propose me for election as president who would think I had y mind definitely made up on any situation that may arise. I keep myself free to consider each question as it arises – I never bind myself in any other way’
This came as close as de Valera could safely go in implying that the oath to the republic taken by members should be considered more a means to an end than an end in itself…de Valera rightly feared that doctrinaire republicans would reject any compromise'
J.J.Lee ‘Ireland 1912-88 Politics & Society’ p.48
Profeesor Lee comments that de Valera’s reasoning was that he would not become involved directly in Anglo-Irish negotiations, as he would then hold some credibility in the anticipated bitter controversy that was to follow, allowing him to ‘wean the doctrinaires into accepting ‘external association’ as an honourable soloution’
Mitchell comments that de Valera actually warned the Dail that ‘negotiations with the British Government probably would result in ‘sharp differences concerning the terms of settlement. He anticipated that ‘we will, therefore, have proposals brought back which cannot satisfy everybody and will not.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P303
An additional factor perhaps was de Valera’s study of Woodrow Wilson’s participation in the Versailles Peace Conference two years earlier. Mitchell comments on this that Wilson’s failure in Versailles was not due to his personal involvement.
Additional plans for war should negotiation fail shows that Macready favoured military action and blockade. Cope favoured killing ‘nobody and starve nobody – would leave them middle Ireland in which to do as they liked and incidentally go broke. He would hold all the ports which are with the exception of Limerick all the big towns and would at first stop nothing, not even coal, only doing so if they became aggressive..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 216
First results of the UK census taken in June show the effects of the war with a sex ratio of 1096 women to 1000 men. In 1911 this figure was 1068 to 1000.
24
In a letter to Lloyd George confirming Dail Eireann’s rejection of the British proposals, De Valera assured him that Ireland also longed to end the conflict
R38-class airship ZR-2 explodes on her fourth test flight near Kingston upon Hull, England, killing 44 of the 49 Anglo-American crew on board.
In a letter to Lloyd George confirming Dail Eireann’s rejection of the British proposals, De Valera assured him that Ireland also longed to end the conflict
R38-class airship ZR-2 explodes on her fourth test flight near Kingston upon Hull, England, killing 44 of the 49 Anglo-American crew on board.
25
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil - 3rd Ministry debates. Day 6. Oak Room, Mansion House, Dublin. Private session.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
Robert Barton and Joseph McGrath delivered De Valera’s reply to Lloyd George. A meeting of the British Cabinet was called with both governments agreeing to release the text the following day.
Mark Sturgis in his diary commented on the proposed settlement ‘ The Shinns themselves confess that after days of public and private deliberation they have succeeded in producing a document which no ordinary brain can interpret’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P320
Mark Sturgis in his diary commented on the proposed settlement ‘ The Shinns themselves confess that after days of public and private deliberation they have succeeded in producing a document which no ordinary brain can interpret’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P320
26
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil - 3rd Ministry debates. Day 7. Oak Room, Mansion House, Dublin. Private session.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil - 3rd Ministry debates. Day 7. Oak Room, Mansion House, Dublin. Private session.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
Under Dáil procedure, Éamon de Valera resigned as President. De Valera was then proposed by Seán Mac Eoin and seconded by Richard Mulcahy to the position of President of the Irish Republic and approved unanimously. This was a more than a mere change of title, instead indicating that de Valera was now considered as the head of state of the Irish Republic, rather than only its head of government.
De Valera then proposed the members of the 3rd Ministry of the Irish Republic (26 August 1921–9 January 1922), which were approved by the Dáil.
De Valera then proposed the members of the 3rd Ministry of the Irish Republic (26 August 1921–9 January 1922), which were approved by the Dáil.
Lloyd George replied to Dail Eireann and De Valera’s response to their offer. In it, Lloyd George declared that
‘...the British Government are profoundly disappointed by your letter...our proposals have gone far beyond all precedent... we can discuss no settlement which involves a refusal on the part of Ireland to accept our invitation to free, equal and loyal partnership under one sovereign’
Macardle. ’ The Irish Republic’ Irish Press, Dublin 1957. P.507
At the Dail Eireann meeting, a motion giving the delegates at the Anglo-Irish peace conference a ‘free hand in the negotiations as far as the Dail was concerned’ was passed while at the same time, preparations continued in event of failure and war with Britain. The Longford IRA Commander, Sean Mac Eoin proposed de Valera as President of the Irish Republic: ‘Eamon de Valera first met the English as a soldeir, and beat them as a soldier. He has been meeting them now as a statesman and he will beat them as a statesman.’
A second Dail Eireann Loan was sanctioned by Dail Eireann for collecting £500,000 in Ireland and $20 Million in the US (£5.25 million).
Workers in Bruree, Limerick seized the Mill they worked in and hoisted the Red flag over the building & hung a banner over the building proclaiming "Bruree Workers Soviet Mills – We Make Bread Not Profits". The Soviet lasted until 3 September 1921
Rising prices cause major riots in Munich. The assassination of German politician Matthias Erzberger causes the government to declare martial law.
‘...the British Government are profoundly disappointed by your letter...our proposals have gone far beyond all precedent... we can discuss no settlement which involves a refusal on the part of Ireland to accept our invitation to free, equal and loyal partnership under one sovereign’
Macardle. ’ The Irish Republic’ Irish Press, Dublin 1957. P.507
At the Dail Eireann meeting, a motion giving the delegates at the Anglo-Irish peace conference a ‘free hand in the negotiations as far as the Dail was concerned’ was passed while at the same time, preparations continued in event of failure and war with Britain. The Longford IRA Commander, Sean Mac Eoin proposed de Valera as President of the Irish Republic: ‘Eamon de Valera first met the English as a soldeir, and beat them as a soldier. He has been meeting them now as a statesman and he will beat them as a statesman.’
A second Dail Eireann Loan was sanctioned by Dail Eireann for collecting £500,000 in Ireland and $20 Million in the US (£5.25 million).
Workers in Bruree, Limerick seized the Mill they worked in and hoisted the Red flag over the building & hung a banner over the building proclaiming "Bruree Workers Soviet Mills – We Make Bread Not Profits". The Soviet lasted until 3 September 1921
Rising prices cause major riots in Munich. The assassination of German politician Matthias Erzberger causes the government to declare martial law.
Naomi Parker, war worker, probable model for the "We Can Do It!" American World War 2 poster born (died 2018)
"We Can Do It!" is an American World War II wartime poster produced by J. Howard Miller in 1943 for Westinghouse Electric as an inspirational image to boost female worker morale. The poster was not widely seen during World War II. It was rediscovered in the early 1980s and widely reproduced in many forms, often called "We Can Do It!" but also called "Rosie the Riveter" after the iconic figure of a strong female war production worker. The "We Can Do It!" image was used to promote feminism and other political issues beginning in the 1980s. The image made the cover of the Smithsonian magazine in 1994 and was fashioned into a US first-class mail stamp in 1999. It was incorporated in 2008 into campaign materials for several American politicians, and was reworked by an artist in 2010 to celebrate the first woman becoming prime minister of Australia. The poster is one of the ten most-requested images at the National Archives and Records Administration. After its rediscovery, observers often assumed that the image was always used as a call to inspire women workers to join the war effort. However, during the war the image was strictly internal to Westinghouse, displayed only during February 1943, and was not for recruitment but to exhort already-hired women to work harder.[2] People have seized upon the uplifting attitude and apparent message to remake the image into many different forms, including self empowerment, campaign promotion, advertising, and parodies. [thanks to Wikipedia] |
27
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil - 3rd Ministry debates. Day 8. Round Room, Mansion House, Dublin. Private session.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
Dáil Éireann
Second Dáil - 3rd Ministry debates. Day 8. Round Room, Mansion House, Dublin. Private session.
click illustration below to access the Oireachtas debates for this date.
A house in Belfast was bombed by loyalists. Over the next two days, two Protestants are killed by republican snipers.
28
29
Archbishop of Armagh, Cardinal Logue rejects an invitation from the Northern Ireland Minister for Education to nominate members to the proposed Commission on Education.
Germany: Catholic Liberal Mathias Erzberger assassinated.
Archbishop of Armagh, Cardinal Logue rejects an invitation from the Northern Ireland Minister for Education to nominate members to the proposed Commission on Education.
Germany: Catholic Liberal Mathias Erzberger assassinated.
30
The Irish Cabinet met to consider De Valera’s reply which was sent on the 30th and delivered to Lloyd George in Gairloch, Scotland by Harry Boland and Joseph McGrath. De Valera’s letter indicated that the Irish were prepared to continue fighting than to take part in a conference that was not based on democratic principles but he made an offer of a proposal for a treaty of free association within the British Commonwealth. The 2nd paragraph read:
‘Our nation had formally declared its independence and recognises itself as a sovereign state. It is only as the representatives of that state and as its chosen guardians that we have any authority or powers to act on behalf of our people’
Lloyd George requested the couriers wait while the letter was read and then commented to them ‘ in the case of a big and a small nation, the big nation should nto have to give all and get nothing. No, I have dealt with all nations and all men…we all have to give something but Mr de Valera will give nothing. I am done, done.’
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p142
Lloyd George then refused to accept the letter from Boland and McGrath unless the second paragraph was removed and publication was suspended. Harry Boland refused to either take the letter back to Dublin or delete the 2nd paragraph but did agree to withold publication until they telephoned Dublin. De Valera then sent Robert Brennan to meet Boland and McGrath at Holyhead to get further information.
Lloyd George summoned the British Cabinet to meet in the Inverness Town Hall on September 7th.
Dail Eireann announced that all I.R.A levies would cease but allowed fundraising to continue only under ‘the greatest possible supervision’. This situation was to continue until mid-October when all fundraising collections by Volunteers was to cease on the basis that the Army should be funded by the Irish Exchequer, that it would interfere with the proposed Dail Loan and anyway, it had not been approved by the Government. The I.R.A turned instead to fundraising through traditional methods as sports events, ceilidhs etc.
Mitchell summarises August’s Dail Eireann debates as ‘the Executive was not going to hold out for a fully independent state. The British Government simply would not have this. There was general recognition within the counter-state that a return to guerilla warfare would not change this position. What was needed was an arrangement with Britain that would satisfy Irish nationalist aspirations as well as British defence concerns’.
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P319
While de Valera’s concept of External Association could allow Ireland to be a republic, retain full powers in internal matters and still be associated with the British Empire for external affairs…the only problem would be selling the concept to the British. Additional problems were providing for British security concerns and the largest, the question of Ulster.
Dublin Castle and in particular Sturgis were tiring of the protracted discussions and negotiation: ‘It will be hard to hold our own forces for weeks if the suspicion grows that we are being fooled – if we are. I can't think their drilling and arming will avail them much – we ought to hit so hard if we hit we must that the bloody job is half done before the reaction has time to set in the worlds press’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 216
Eighteen people were killed during street battles in Belfast; nine Protestants and nine Catholics
The Irish Cabinet met to consider De Valera’s reply which was sent on the 30th and delivered to Lloyd George in Gairloch, Scotland by Harry Boland and Joseph McGrath. De Valera’s letter indicated that the Irish were prepared to continue fighting than to take part in a conference that was not based on democratic principles but he made an offer of a proposal for a treaty of free association within the British Commonwealth. The 2nd paragraph read:
‘Our nation had formally declared its independence and recognises itself as a sovereign state. It is only as the representatives of that state and as its chosen guardians that we have any authority or powers to act on behalf of our people’
Lloyd George requested the couriers wait while the letter was read and then commented to them ‘ in the case of a big and a small nation, the big nation should nto have to give all and get nothing. No, I have dealt with all nations and all men…we all have to give something but Mr de Valera will give nothing. I am done, done.’
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p142
Lloyd George then refused to accept the letter from Boland and McGrath unless the second paragraph was removed and publication was suspended. Harry Boland refused to either take the letter back to Dublin or delete the 2nd paragraph but did agree to withold publication until they telephoned Dublin. De Valera then sent Robert Brennan to meet Boland and McGrath at Holyhead to get further information.
Lloyd George summoned the British Cabinet to meet in the Inverness Town Hall on September 7th.
Dail Eireann announced that all I.R.A levies would cease but allowed fundraising to continue only under ‘the greatest possible supervision’. This situation was to continue until mid-October when all fundraising collections by Volunteers was to cease on the basis that the Army should be funded by the Irish Exchequer, that it would interfere with the proposed Dail Loan and anyway, it had not been approved by the Government. The I.R.A turned instead to fundraising through traditional methods as sports events, ceilidhs etc.
Mitchell summarises August’s Dail Eireann debates as ‘the Executive was not going to hold out for a fully independent state. The British Government simply would not have this. There was general recognition within the counter-state that a return to guerilla warfare would not change this position. What was needed was an arrangement with Britain that would satisfy Irish nationalist aspirations as well as British defence concerns’.
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P319
While de Valera’s concept of External Association could allow Ireland to be a republic, retain full powers in internal matters and still be associated with the British Empire for external affairs…the only problem would be selling the concept to the British. Additional problems were providing for British security concerns and the largest, the question of Ulster.
Dublin Castle and in particular Sturgis were tiring of the protracted discussions and negotiation: ‘It will be hard to hold our own forces for weeks if the suspicion grows that we are being fooled – if we are. I can't think their drilling and arming will avail them much – we ought to hit so hard if we hit we must that the bloody job is half done before the reaction has time to set in the worlds press’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 216
Eighteen people were killed during street battles in Belfast; nine Protestants and nine Catholics
31