SOPER ATTACKED IN BELFAST SEPTEMBKR 1959 Orange mob like animals' Manchester HE CRITICISED THE R.U.C. Irishman makes FROM A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT ^y HEN Hyde Park open-air preacher Dr. Donald Soper went to Ballymena, Co. Antrim, he found Mr. Ian Paisley's extreme ultra-Orange sectarian M.P. give up "Free Presbyterians" had gone out specially from the Shankill Road to be ready
A SPECIAL lecturer had to be summoned to answer questions for him. ^ on Ireland, when students at the National Council of Scarcely had he mounted the wagon from which he was to say before contradicting it, Mr. Paisley replied: Labour Colleges summer school protested against the refusal to speak when there was a pandemonium of hecklers, and a cf Mr. Jim Griffiths, M.P. to comment on the lack of democracy man threw a Bible at him which struck a woman in the "We would give you free speech in the north-east of Ireland. * audience. if you came as an infidel but not as a Christian minister." There were cries of "You wear The srhool was held in Dorking. In other words if Dr. Soper was a Roman cassock" and "Where are Si:: rev. and tutor Griffiths was prepared to admit what was utterly your beads?" laiK.mg about colonialism for near- untrue, then Mr. Paisley would ]\ three days, promising that Dr. Soper told the press, "It let him speak. Christianity in the La!>rur would do away with th° was the most animal-like meet- Six Counties is to be under licence N .tsaland Police State and give ing I have ever spoken at." lrom the Shankhill Road. ; < Africans freedom. When Mr. Paisley made a per- REVOLVERS -nting through the lectures was sonal attack on the speaker, Dr. Mft::chester Irish Mr. David Mur- Dr. Soper had infuriated the Soper replied that he was not par- I •.. a " bricklayer. THREE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT lunatic lringe by outspoken re- ticularly bothered by what Mr. He asked Mr. Griffiths would n.arks about the carrying of arms Paisley thought of him. r e not agree that the unsettled • are supporting the Connolly Association by the Royal Ulster Constabulary, National question had given rise 'Tree the prisoners" campaign in Manchester which he did not think was in con- (Continued on Page 8) 10 Police State in Northern Ire- formity with a democratic state. and, and was this not a lesson which takes place between August 21st and 29th. for African affairs. They are Mr. Leslie Lever, Mr. Frank AHaun, Among the hecklers was Ian DRILLERS ARRESTED . lecturer brushed him aside. and Mr. Will Griffiths, all well-known for the Paisley himself who accused Dr. EVEN men, four from the Six !!• was not dealing with Ireland. Soper ol denying the Virgin birth S Counties, were arrested by 'I: ai had nothing to do with it. pro-Irish views. and the bodily resurrection of Gardai and Special Branch men in Hut ths students were not satis- At the rally at Piatt Fields on August 29th, Christ. an early swoop on a lonely farm- house in Co. Meath over the holi- fied. During the lunch break six and procession to All Saints, Mr. Horace New- The noise did not slacken when :f them approached Mr. Murphy day period. Tents, camping equip- he replied. "I have been acquitted and urged him to raise the mat- bold. Secretary of the Manchester and Salford ment, etc. was found sufficient for of those charges by the highest ter again. He did, but Mr. Jim Trtides Council (biggest in England) will speak, 50 men. Griffiths was unrelenting. Dissatis- court of the Methodist Church." In another swoop in Westmeath, faction grew so intense that some- together with Joe Deighan and others. "You are not a Methodist" three young men were taken to thing had to be done, and since screamed Paisley, and went on Athione. Later, two special courts Mr. Jim Griffiths (not to be con- shouting about the Roman cas- were held. Local people"paraded fused with Mr. Will Griffiths) FULL DETAILS OF THE sock. outside the courts with protest would not oblige, Mr. Andrew Boyd banners. Then men were charged had to be brought to give a special When Dr. Soper appealed for a under firearms act. Later the ecture on the Irish question, in CAMPAIGN ON BACK PAGE hearing on the grounds that it was police found an encampment on which he explained the results of onlv right to listen to what he had the borders of Tipperary, but all partition. the men scattered and no arrests were made.
BOOST OUR FUND HE "Irish Democrat," boycotted T by the advertisers who don't like its republican policy and de- fence of the working man, needs £30 a month in donations to bridge the gap between income and ex- penditure. We have done, if we say it our- selves, a hell ol a lot to expose the Six-County Government and its re- cord of torture and imprisonment without trial. And they are hop- ping mad about it. But with more money we could do far more. So please, readers, do your bit by sending us a donation, now and every month. Two hundred and forty half-crowns make £30. And eight collected from friends or on the job or in the pub—we will be pleased to send you a collecting card- makes £1. So write today to "Irish Demo- crat," 374 Grays Inn Road, Lon- don, W.C.I. Our sincere thanks go to: P. Mallon 5/-, E. O'Dowling 5 -, per E. O'Dowling 15'-, per M. Boyle 10/-, P. O'Shea 10/-, P. O'Connor 3/-, J. McGrotty 7 -, P.B. £1/12/-, J. Johnston 2'-, Liverpool readers 2/-, M. Cusack 2 -, per M. Rabbitt 2/-, M. Rabbitt 2 6, Mrs. B. Wat- lers 2/6, M. Brennan 10/-, V. Lee 5 -, Tobacco Workers' Union, Lon- don 2/-, Anon, Shepherds Bush 4'6, per o.T. 3 6, B. Wilkinson 10'-, P. O'Toole 2 6, M. Rlgney £1/15/-, Anon. Hyde Park 1/-, E. O'Dowling The start of the walk from Kings Cross to £1, C. Sullivan 10/-, P.B. £2. Total ROGER CASEMENT COMMEMORATION Pentonville organised on Aug. 2 by Sinn Fein £12'5 6. September 1959 THE IRISH DEMOCRAT 7 2 THE IRISH DEMOCRAT September 1959
THE IRISH DEMOCRAT Ireland gives the lead WHEN IS A LABOUR PARTY 374 GRAYS INN ROAD \ \'HAT a guffaw went up from a group THERE exists in Belfast a small or- LONDON, W.C.I of Englishmen when I ventured a ganisation which retains the title statement on the international status of Subscription: 8/- per year of "Northern Ireland Labour Party." the Twenty-Six Counties ol Ireland, in Hyde Park. Editor: DESMOND GREAVES in Europe What is it ? A LABOUR PARTY? I will repeat tlie statement in print. Tiit• famous "roup dVtat" l.v which Count) people from the n.-k of war is to nise her existence. Get her to sit at thee.in- I said: "The Republic of Ireland is the the original part;: was in elleet dis- • join the Republic! ference table, and then she'll be bound, most progressive state—indeed the only Quite a number of people arc bound to to what she agrees to, like Ireland or any solved (in 194ft) is still much of a AN INTERESTING RIDDLE FROM BELFAST RIGHT TO progressive state —in Western Europe." think it is a bit pointless to be gallivanting other country. But if she's not let in on mystery to many in the British Labour Has it any faults? Plenty. round Europe lor peace, if at the same things, who can blame her if she makes movement. Does its social condition give cause for time you are not making the simple de- her own arrangements? If you won't listen most of them now exist only on paper. Six-County party through common affilia- Armagh. Coleraine. from all parts oT Bel- KNOW complacency? No. mand which can assure the non-involve- to HER case, why should she listen 13 How was this change brought about? Though not in any sense rabidly Catholic- tions with the all-Ireland Trade Union last including strongly Protestant, areas, And by whom? ^(.)ME smprise has been expressed Is there nothing to complain of? Plenty. ment of Ireland as a whole in any pos- YOURS? hating. its leaders mostly "kick with the Congress and through the exchange of could voice this militant anti-Toryivn on ' in Irish circles in London at the But all the same, it is the most progres- sible war. These two proposals coming from Ire- Chn fly by means of a wholesale purge one foot." fraternal delegates. Irish affairs. sive state in Western Europe, and I can * * * land were a major contribution to the sort conducted by a group of Labour-Unionist torl'uight denial by the "United Two of its four M.P.s at Stormont, W. The transformation of the N.I.L.P. into Thus at the conference of October, 1337, prove it. of thinking that will secure world peace. type leaders. Previously in the history ol Iri.-hman" that any meetings under It might be argued that neutrality, non- R. Boyd and F. V. Simpson are Methodist a political appendage of the Unionists was delegate H. Todd from the Plasterers' * * * They were echoed by many other small the party such efforts had been made by the allspices of the Republican Move- commitment as it is fashionably called local preachers. Of the other two. T. W. held to justify a change in the constitu- Union could declare that as a "Protestant and non-committed nations. Ireland spoke such leaders, but they had failed. ment (which includes the Sinn Fein Today the big powers are looking at each these days, is not enough, that what is Boyd is a former Sunday school super- tion of the Twenty-Six County Labour worker" he longed for the day when Jaaies for more than herself in those sessions. Party) have been held in Hyde Park other like angry pussy-cats on a wall, tails also wanted is active diplomatic interven- Repeatedly there arose political oppor- intendent and D. Bleakley preaches occa- Party, to enable it to operate in the Six Connolly's ideal—an Irish workers' repub- She showed the sort oi leadership she ga\ e circling, whiskers bristling. There are dif- tion for peace. tunists who, for the sake of "winning sionally at Church of Ireland services. Counties. lic—could be brought about. 01 elsewhere in London. It is certainly ferent views on the question ol" who is in 1935 when Ireland was almost alone in votes" among the backward sections, a fact that a platform set up at Arling- It is precisely that which the Dublin The Party's treasurer. Miss Saidie Pat- Some unions in the north have wisely P. J. McCann. from the Protestant con- most to blame. I have mine. You have the League of Nations protesting against sought to impose the impossible on a ton Road, Camden Town, immediately Government is doing. Mr. Frank Aiken, terson. and former M.P. Robert Getgood kept affiliation with both parties. The stituency of Armagh, declared: "The ques- yours. But talk about bombs! If every the rape of Abyssinia while Britain was socialist party—an outright Unionist sec- on the instructions of his Government, has are both ardent adherents of the Moral Re- Tailors and Garment Workers' Union, for tion of the unity of Ireland is vital to the prior to the Connolly Association bomb they have got among the lot of them secretly helping Mussolini. tarian policy (including the acceptance of made two proposals, one for each world armament movement, whose leader, Dr. example, has 300 "contracted -in" mem- working-class people of the North." mil fing there, was mounted by young was to go this minute, it is to be doubted The Englishman interrupting in Hyde partition. > danger spot. If these proposals were car- bers affiliated to ooth the Irish Labour Park should get an earful of one simple Buchman, at one time sang high in praise In October. 1938, conference called for gentlemen who announced that they if there would be a man alive in the world. ried out a most important step would have Rejected by Six-County Labour opinion, Party and the N.I.L.P. But in the N.I.L.P. thing—the Irish Government is doir.g of the way Hitler and Mussolini had the removal of the trade barrier between weie opening a meeting on behalf of The gentlemen in Hyde Park threw the ••••••••••••••a they have little political voice. It is diffi- more to save his skin than his own Gov- iome of them deserted the party and solved the problem of labour-management north and south, the resolution being sub- Sinn Fein. expression "backward" at Ireland. But cult to challenge the leadership's Unionist ernment is doing. joined the Unionists, or formed official relationships. mitted by Belfast Trades Council, repre- they were thanking God at that very time Labour adjuncts of the Tory Party. line. Now it seems that all that was be- Along with another local Buchmanite senting all sections of the workers. ing witnessed was a well-meaning that Mr. Krushchev and Mr. Eisenhower WORLD Indeed, a variety of MacDonaldism were going to talk before they started to And anyway, how do you judge a love-bird. Sir Douglas Savory, a former The Irish Labour party is not organised Delegate P. Healy, of Derry, declared attempt to support Republicanism, which is worse than MacDonaldism has fight. For they knew well, if there was a progressive state? What is a great, a genuine "backwoodsman" Tory M.P. noted on sectarian lines. Many of its present that the time had come when Labour ! COMMENTARY I ever been the plague of the Belfast Labour pei haps motivated by a desire to emu- war. Britain would be in it. up to the neck. cultured people? Do you judge it by mili- for his hatred of the Irish people's aspira- members are former N.I.L.P. men of Pro- should demand the removal of the border movement. The list is long. Willie Walker. late the Connolly Association, which This island, that you could almost spit tary strength? Or by\nride of possessions tions for independence, both these Labour testant extraction. Jack Beattie, who altogether. John F. Gordon. Billy Grant, Harry Midg- lipids a meeting there each week. across, would be a smoking radioactive ! by in the hands of its ricKmen? Or in the ley . . . the last two of whom became Even in October, 1947, when Bel l ast's Then again, it is understood that ruin from end to end. And it is doubtful conquest of foreign territories? Or do you Ministers in the Unionist Government. St. Mary's Hall was packed for the annual appeals to those present to join Sinn if the General Staff and Cabinet would THE EDITOR judge it by its standing\and acting for * * * By 'RAPPAREE' conference attended by Miss Louie Ben- find it much use coming out of the secret those principles which will protect and Fein, have been made from the plat- : nett as fraternal delegate from the south, •i •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••^••••••••at, advance our common humanity? The writer of this article is not necessarily stating the views of the "Irish fo:m of the "Irish National Union" hide-outs they have no doubt dug under 1) L'T if previous efforts failed, how is it Democrat," which presents his opinions for discussion. Many people believe a motion was passed calling on the Gov- London, because there'd be nobody left to Criticise if you will—and\ every demo- (so; ie of its personnel used foimerly been taken for the maintenance of peace. that that of 1948-49 succeeded? There that such discussion is overdue, and we are happy to make our columns ernment to disband the "B" Specials and serve them a bottle of champagne, clean crat reserves the right to criticise—the Re- First. Ireland proposed that foreign troops is little doubt in Belfast trade union circles available for it. When the N.I.L.P. demands work for Belfast workers we repeal the anti-democratic Special Powers to speak under the title of the "United their boots, or even make the porridge. public of Ireland measures ud to the true should withdraw from the point where that the deciding factor was Herbert Mor- support it. When it supports partition we believe it cuts its own throat. Act. Irishmen," when many people thought definition of greatness betten than the My interrupters knew it. Not one of they were facing each other in Central rison's conviction that he could solve the they wi re associated v. ith the paper Britain of Macmillan and Selwyn Lloyd. Delegate S. J. Armstrong, from me them but was afraid. There was not a Europe. Instead of one iron curtain, brist- Irish problem by seeing the Ireland Act leaders attended the 80th birthday celebra- represented the N.I.L.P. at Stormont for The word progress must stick in\verv de- strongly Protestant South Belfast consti- oi similar title). While people are no mother standing there who did not fear ling with bombs, barbed wire and spy- safely through the Commons at Westmin- tions of Dr. Buchman in Belfast. Miss many years is now a member ol the Irish cent Englishman's mouth wlfen the mur- tuency, described the Specials as "Storm doubt within their rights to advise what was going to happen to her children. houses, there would be two wooden fences ster, and making partition permanent. Patterson has presided at several local Labour Party. derers of the unfortunate Africans imLhe Troopers" and a "political force aMied to their hearers to join anything that Well—get hold of this. That fear is a few hundred miles apart. He sent across to Belfast an emissary M.R.A. meetings. the Unionist Party." Hola camp remain unpunished. * * * appears to them good, the United largely absent from Irish homes. Why? It is just as if two men were to be seen of the British Party. Arthur Johnston, There is. of course, another Britain. But Typical of their outlook are the following The Party's M.P. for Dock Constituency, Irishman warns that if would be a Because that Twenty-Six Counties is pointing revolvers at each other's hearts, again with an impossible mission—viz., to 4 BRIEF outline of the history of the Britain of the people will applaud Ire- quotations from their speeches:— Belfast, supported the motion, and Mr. mistake to take them for the organ- NEUTRAL. It has declared its intention and gesticulating and arguing, and a neut- secure a partitionist policy in a socialist ^ * Labour Parties in Ireland since parti- of not taking part in mutual suicide. Not land's work for world peace, and not sneer "We are going back to the workshops McGonagle, Derry, urged the conference isation they are supporting. Yet this ral bystander was to say, "For God's sake party. tion can only serve to emphasise the that somebody couldn't drop a bomb in about a backwardness that does not exist. to create that harmony for which the to call the attention of the British frater- is often done. put those damn things down, and talk like * * * * * * rtreachery to socialism which many former the wrong place—but bombs are expensive world longs today. "—Miss Patterson. nal delegate, Percy Knight, to the exist- sensible men." N.I.L.P. men see in the "loyalism" of the In Glasgow, a man who asked extremely JOHNSTON found allies well placed in ence of this "Fascist Army." -very expensive. It would hardly be likely And it took an Irishman to tell them One final point. "We can only find an answer to unem- present Belfast group. hostile questions of the Connolly Asso- " the party. He also chanced an unu.su- they'd waste ten million lightly. It would that. This independent state, the only state ployment through moral change. . . . * * * ciation speakers referred constantly to ihe r.lly favourable opportunity. have to be a bad mistake. What's more important—in another way in Western Europe that is not in the im- Economic or political plans are inade- The labour movement, both political and r "Sin Fein meetings in Hyde Park." There ' pHE last united conference was' held in So at any rate the Irish public lias a they have taken the Irish advice. They perialistic N.A.T.O. alliance, is not loved At that time more than half of the con- quate. They do not meet the challenge trade union, north and south, has always can therefore lx? no doubt that the majo- Warrenpomt in 1948. The Irish Labour safeguard the British public hasn't. haven't actually put down the guns, but by the imperialists. * stituency parties were in dispute with the of greed in both management and treasured its unity—especially above the rity of Irish people think that the I N.U. * * * Party was represented by Mr. Roddy Con- they've decided to have a bit of a talk and The reason for partition was that when executive over a technical issue. More than labour."—Mr. Getgood. artificial partition line which, it was does represent Sinn Fein, or the Republi- nolly. T.D.. and Mr. Getgood himself felt make sure whether it is really necessary the imperialists of Britain realised they three-quarters of the political membership vowed, would never separate the workers. can movement in some way. it is also That safeguard doesn't extend to the "Moral Rearmament . . . has even impelled to pay tribute to the ideal of a to point them at each other. could not stop the Irish people having was expelled en masse. clcai that some of its members participate Six Counties. And it is unfortunately pos- transformed my relations with the bosses Durmg the twenties the Labour Party "socialist Ireland" as the common objec- their own government, they strove to make In it. For example, a gentleman who often sible that a bomb dropped on Belfast could Then, in the Far East, the Irish proposal Brandies and constituency parties dis- whom I used to consider were a race was organisationally part of the Irish tive of the parties north and south. things as difficult as possible for them. spoke for the I.N.U. in Hyde Park was cause serious injury in Dundalk. was also quite simple. "Let China into affiliated upon this technical issue included apart and whom I hated."—Mr. Getgood, T.U.C., and it was the custom to hold But at this conference was slipped prominently visible handling bundles of About thirty Belfast young people went the United Nations." What partition failed to do, they hoped West Belfast, Deny, Newry, Warrenpoint * * * joint conferences of the industrial and through an apparently formal resolution the "United Irishman" at Trafalgar to a festival in Vienna last month, with Why? For the sake of their bright blue the trade war would? But that also failed. and Armagh. political wings. to the effect that no party organisation, Square. a view to reducing the risk of war by pro- eyes? Because the Government is to Ire- Then they placed their reliance on starv- Later Dock constituency party, which I N practical politics, therefore, what sort official or member should engage any per- moting international friendship among land's liking? No. Nothing of the sort. ing the Twenty-Six Counties of essential provided Belfast's only Labour M P. at * of "Labour" programme can such a At the congress of the Irish Labour It is therefore clear that a confused son. not a member of the party, to speak the youth. But because it is seen to be utterly ridicu- materials. While blathering about the that time, was obliged to pull out. group offer to the workers of the Six Coun- Party and T.U.C. in Belfast Co-operative situation exists, and the Irish in London lous to be complaining that China is doing British Navv defending Ireland, they re- ties? None! Small wonder that it is only at any meeting without the authority of arc surely entitled to better consideration. A good idea. After the disaffiliation of scores of loyal Hall in August. 1928. the presidential ad- (Continued on Page Two, Col. Four) the executive committee. It was added: Have they no right to know exactly who it But the surest way to secure the Six- this and doing that, if you refuse to recog- trade union and political leaders associated necessary for this group's gentlemen-repre- dress was given by Mr. W. McMullen. M P., "An\' organisation contravening this deci- is that appeals to them for support? What with the Labour Party from its birth, there sentatives in London to open their mouths a moderate trade unionist labour man. sion shall be disaffiliated." is the Irish National Union if it is nothing were only a few feeble voices in dissent. and most British Labour men can sense He declared amid applause that "the to do with the Republican movement? The resolution in favour of partition was something wrong at once. The motion was designed to prevent luture of our common country North and Anybody can lind out what the Connolly forthcoming. local Labour Parties m the Six Counties As a respectable opposition it can adopt South l:cs with Labour. The Labour Association is by the simple process of This was only the beginning of the de- from inviting Labour M.P.s from Britain LET'S BE CAREFUL WHAT WE SAY merely a "critical" attitude to the Tory movement must therefore shape its policy buying its printed Constitution for three- generation of what was leit ol the North- who might adopt an attitude of opposition This was borne in sharply when an Irishman coming to- England Government. But this opposition only so as to secure control of the country at pence. It is a completely independent, 'TWERE is a danger that Irish to the Border It was on this technical an Orangeman from Belfast inter- likewise has about the same afnount) em Ireland Labour Party. runs along the lines of "You are not doing the earliest possible moment . . ." non-party, non - sectarian organisation *• speakers in Britain—particularly issue that the greater part ot the D-iiii.cal rupted an Irish speaker who advo- of freedom and doesn't feel he has A man whom Johnston had greatly re- things properly and efficiently—we could whose annual conference will elect its new some in Wydfl Park, London, a ren- When the lush Labour Party funned suddenly bfeen let out of prison. lied on in carrying though the re-organisa- do much better." membership ol the N.I.L.P. was j.entuaily dezvous (or thousands of irishmen cated the release of the 197 prisoners itself into a separate political unit it executive on September 13th in London. tion ol the party was its chairman at that expelled. each week-end—may give a wrong held in Belfast jail by reference to Indeed while England may be It is indistinguishable from the Tories limited its activities to the Twenty-Six But who is the secretary of the 1 N.U.? more free in some ways, there are time (1947-48 0 Harry Holmes. The North Down Constituency Party impression to the English who are De Valera and the Curragh. The on such issues as denouncing "terrorism," Counties, while a Northern Ireland Labour Where is its constitution published? What Just as many ways in which the Shortly afterwards Harry Holmes left decided to organise a conference to oooose there as well. British public have no means of praising the police, hailing the Queen and Party was formed to seive the Six Coun- are the names of its officers Where is the Twenty-Six Counties has more and joined the Unionist Party this ruling as unconstitutional, and invited doing anything about De Valera and fcfending the Border. ties. Both were parts of the same move- its bead ollice? While these things are It you are in Ireland with few democrafcy than Erifeland: Propor- He is now official Tory M.P. tor the delegates from all other partis- Toe exe- the Curragh except by fighting ment, linked bv a joint committee and not available, or at least not made readily 3Xceptions, those listening to you will 1 Shankhill Road. The only positive proposal on its book against the habit of their own Im- tional representation, for example. associated with the one united trade union cutive immediately placed a ban on the accessible to the public, people cannot be be Irish, and will know the history * * * is for the setting up of a Development perialist Government of interfering Then take Cabinet Government— centre. conference West Belfast met to dec.de blamed lor thinking it Is some offshoot of of its politics and the age-long epic Corporation to assist and encourage local in the affairs of other countries. James Connolly pointed out that 1)UT now how about the remnant that's whether to observe the ban ,:• ignore it. the Republican movement in Ireland. of Irish nationalism struggling for capitalists to invest in expansion. But Close links were maintained with the Britain is governed by a "Cabinet" left of the once-influential Northern They felt justified m ignonr.r. Then the independence and democracy. Everybody knows it was the inter- even in this they are far behind the prac- British Labour movement. The conference All this implies no discredit to it. What- which is never efccMd. The Irish Ireland Labour Party? What sort of first blow lei! West Bellas! ' as expelled vention of the British Ambassador tical programme of the southern capitalist- of the Irish Labour and Trade Union ever governing body it possesses is under There is undoubtedly widespread ministry is elected by the Dail. The "Labour" policy does it pursue? Whom in a bod; and the other expuisioas fol- that put the Republicans inside. The republican "dreamer." Mr. Lcmass. Movement in Warrenpoint (in the Six in obligation to publish the information discontent at the Dublin Govern- King' or Queen is never elected. The does it represent? * * * lowed. responsible people are nearer than Counties) in 1930 was attended by Ernest we asking about. But it would surely be ment's rounding up Republicans Irish president is. Television in Just what might be expected Since no politically wi.se to do so when the implica- Dublin they are in London. By the Bevin, general secretary of the T.G.W.U. It wa ai the conference of the lollo.v- while failing to give a lead on par- Britain is a "licence to coin money" party has yet discovered how to have a mg year, that the formal resolution ac- tions of the statement in the United same token those responsible for V^7"HAT of the former political membcr- It was then decided that British-based tition itself. But the proper place held by business interests. Television Tory policy and a Socialist policy at the cepting partition was finally passed Even Irishman" are so plain to be read. the jailings in Belfast are in London *» ship? Many drifted into non-|)olitical unions operating in Ireland should allo- to express that discontent is not in Ireland is under state control like same time, and since the "rump'' Labour at this conference, however, a le.v voices - this time more directly respon- apathy. But whole branches —and so many cate funds to finance Labour Parliamen- Pei haps the Republican movement itself England, but Ireland. the B B C and reflects national in- Party is now committed to a Tory policy, were heard in protest. sible. of them—could not disappear. They con- tary candidates both North and South. might consider one suggestion that could It is of course one thing to distri- terests. But there is not much dif- naturally it has had to throw out all sem- tinued to meet. West Belfast, Newry, Deny A final warning was issued bv Hugh help clarity the obscurities of the position bute a newspaper from Ireland in Then there's another thing. The ference. Both Ireland and England blance of socialist objectives. Unions which contributed to this fund, Downey, former M.P. for Dock wli lore- and others. in London Could it not re-examine the which any English purchaser can Twenty-Six Counties i.s one of the lor the kind of states they are. are apart from the Irish unions themselves, c'ist that the resolution would t'o the It has proved the ideal "Labour opposi- que: tion of Sinn Fein organisations in gam an overall picture and see that very democratic indeed bv the low- In April, 1949. a conference was held in party hand and foot to the policy of most democratic states m the world. tion" for the Tory Government, since it were the T.G.W.U.. the General and Muni- Britain conducting their own propaganda the main enemy is British imperial- Belfast, attended by 200 delegates, repre- Unionism. Compare it with Egypt, or India, or standards of much of the world extends the sectarian basis of Ulster ixili- cipal Workers, the N.U.R and the meetings? If there were regular meetings ism. It is another to mount a plat- senting Labour, trade union, socialist and "I have great respect for tin Bnti h Ghana, or France. The rights of the today. tics to the Labour movement and thus N.U.DAW. held by Sinn Fein, and known to be offi- form and inveigh continuously socialist-republican groups, and branches Labour Party." he said, "and I am not citizen are much the same as in But compare them with the police keeps it safe for Orange reaction. cial, then i here could be no eonlusion, and against the Fianna Fail or others. and organisations expelled or resigned. It * * * prepared to do anything other than work Britain. Holland, Sweden, or Den- state of the Six Comities! There you Unlike previous Tory-Labour efforts, in harmony with it. but I cannot .support tin situation the "United Irishman'' com- was decided that the best step, to give I^ROM that time until the very eve of mark far ahead of Italy, Spam, see even the most elementary demo, such as Billy Grant's Unionist-Labour a policy in accordance with Ilia dictator- plains about could not arise. All Irish f IMIE reason why this is mistaken is them political organisation, was to seek ' the Ireland Act Labour workers north U.S.A. oi- Switzerland. eratic rights (louted. Let the British Association and Harry Midgley's Common- ship of Mr Edmund W.onock" (the Tory organisations are entitled to express their * that the British go away with affiliation with the Twenty-Six-County and south clung to their cherished aspira- public know about that, and let. us wealth Labour Party which both died of Chief Wlnpi. opuiH n under the Irish Hag though it is the impression Hiat the Irish are Let's looks facts m Ihe face. I
ANNUAL REPORT rTO YOU pHIS is the report which the HE resolution of the 1958 Annual con- Up to the present time he is still beinu extended, ami a.- soon as the immediate Standing Committee of the Con T (erencc charged the new Executive called iipi.n to address Trade Union holiday period is over there will remain nolly Association has prepared ready branches Trades Councils. and other about lour months in which to carry Council with the duty of organising acti- . for the Annual Conference in Lon- vity upon two fronts, namely the securing organisations. through the work, to those Trade Union and Labour organisations who have not • don on September 12th and 13th. of Political action for Ireland" by build- • It will bs introduced to the dele- SINCE JOYCE! Although the two prisoners were sent en- been drawn 111. and also for cities outside ing a united front of Irish organisations red in connection with other charges the London to contribute their share. The : gates by the General Secretary, Mr. THE TRUSTING & THE MAIMED,M la-ut.s down in her mother that a. boarder 111.allied sl.e. hie trusting one v.ho had :t .:. ' Hie 'I 11:11 o: ;lie s- ; 1 .t.onrs in common action with the British Labour Association continued to press that a pub- : Eamonn MacLaughin. named Casey isn't stirrum and ns eleven oipcvted quite different behaviour iron; ITmkett does it e\!re:;ns\ wil: .11 all :he-e work of the members of the organising by JAMES Plunkeit (SHutchinson, movement, and second the development of lic inquiry be held into the alleged torture. committee, the "secretarial volunteers" : But it is also a report to YOU to o'clock. The lateness > serious for it him. The pigeon's leg was broken, and stones, each ol which le.tu i.s with ivit unity betwaen British and Irish workers This campaign, still continuing, has who sat night after night doing clerical : every reader of the "Irish Demo- 15/- net). means that Casey risks being sacked 110111 Casey had broken his leg and was in pain. only wv.d stor\ but has made this se.iai iio in common opposition to Toryism and its locussed more attention on the methods. work m the office at 374 Grays Inn Road, : crat." It is your support that has ins office. He gradually drops off to sleep with the and often powerlul impression on the efforts to restrict or lower the general stan- policy and status of the Six-county Govern- and of the branch committees and mem- : kept the Association going. ' I'ilE publishers minim us on the pigeon close to his breast and. half- reader's mind. meat than anything in the last thirty bers, is beyond praise. Many members dard of living of the whole working class. The girl enters his room and finds that dreaming. goes over the events which led years. After the period of reporting back gave up literally all their spare time, and We tell you frankly, we are proud y jacket of this book that James j of this report. Will you read the bed lia.s not been used, and she picks uj) to Rita's misfortune and hi.s own These are my first thoughts on reading In rela'ii: to the first the conference which in general concluded at the end ot they deserve the thanks and support of Hunkett was born in Dublin in 1920. 1958. it was decided to convoke a con- the Irish nation. : through and be proud with us up a scented envelope, reads the letter she present very awkward fix. the whole book which, I think, is the first drew special attention to the following • M-stdes working as a .journalist and ference on "Civil Liberty in Northeast demands: : what Irish guts and initiative cat?i ! iitm.g lor radio, he has sometimes finds in it: this discloses a tragedy. It landmark of importance in Irish short- Ireland and the British Government's re- WORK AND WAGES : do? / is about a girl who loves Casey, has fallen This is a long part of the story, beauti- As stories, even without this extra quality, sponsibility." This took place on February Hayed the viola professionally, and (1) The repeal of the Ireland Act, 1943. During the latter part of 1958 unemploy- liuntiii for him and i.s expecting, and who more fully written, and it fills out Casey's whole story writing since Joyce's DUBLINERS. 22nd. 1959. and was attended by delegates llaill t ment grew rapidly, and there were even a recently had considerable success background pictures his mind and charac- they are all successful: with their un- (2) The withdrawal of British troops from seven London area Trades Councils, than half feels that the man doesn't love suggestions made by certain reactionaries with a play performed at the Abbey from Constituency Labour Parties. Trade than 197 open-air meetings have take her and seems like leaving her in the ter. His night in that silent placc, away sentimental and utter realism, their Irish- from Northeast Ireland. that Irish immigration should be re- Union Branches and District Committees, place in Hyde Park. London. 51 in Pla Theatre, Dublin. Mr. Plunkett is lurch. He has apparently suggested his from civilisation, now in great pain be- ism and Dublinism with what follows stricted Anti-racial tendencies developed F^kis Manchester"'about 25 at" the'p", (3) Withdrawal of all political support and the Movement for Colonial Freedom. proud of having worked with the cause of his broken leg. helpless and with from these: sometimes cynicism, some- m British cities, and newspapers not only ead. Liverpool. 6 in Glasgow 5 own way of dealing with the pregnancy, from tha Unionist Government of The result of the conference was the be- H fear gradually getting its grip 011 him, not times moral or physical cowardice or im- published anti-Irish articles but tried to Birmingham. 4 111 Coventry. 3 in Huddv - lamous Irish trade union leader, but it is "against everything, against the Northeast Ireland. ginning of a campaign of agitation in- having had anything to eat or drink for placable courage, sometimes foolishness creasingly taken over by the Labour throw the blame lor racial disturbances jieid. and 2 in Nottingham In Loncf. James Larkin, from 1945 until Lar- law and against the Church." many hours, reduces him physically, men- sometimes wisdom—and in the background (4) Talks with a view to the reunification movement. On March 5th took place an upon the Irish. Investigation proved that lucal meetings have been held in additi. • kin's death in 1947. He is now en- of every story there is always the compas- of Ireland, based on the recognition the Irish were far LESS prone to racial to lhose in Hyde Park. West London ha tally and morally: "Not for the first time impressive lobby at the House of Commons, i.aficd cn a novel about Larkin and Again our compassion is aroused. We of Ireland's right to self-determina- when Mr. Fenner-Brockw ay and Mr. Leslie prejudice than the English, and the "Irish organised 7. Northwest London 6 No- had it occurred to him that lie might die." sion and tolerance of a mature author. are next switched to the girl's office, where tion. Lever spent some time with the lobby. Democrat' published the lack. London 2. and East London 1. Five posu the fireat General Strike in Dublin A11 idea comes to him: he writes a mes- she is doing her best to type a letter: her It was then decided to launch a campaign parades have been held. lust before the First World War. sage 011 a page from his diary and fixes "Mercy" is to me the only story that In : el.il. " to the .second, conference Ii was decided therefore to call a con- thoughts cause her to make more mistakes to secure 250.000 signatures to a petition it inside the ring on the pigeon's leg and is "well rounded" in the conventional sense uigtd: demanding the enquiry. ference on the "Irish 111 Britain 111 the The high priority given to outdoor speak- than usual. Between typing words and The stories in "The Trusting and the launches the bird, which flies off east- of the short story; and "The Web" re- struggle for work and wages." This was ing has resulted 111 the Association train- sentences she keeps praying. "Dear God, T1: 3' , tiv 'mention of the Labour ; Maimed" are much out of the ordinary- wards. leaving Casey in a faint after the minds me of Maxim Gorki. Each story held in the Holborn Hall. London, on Sun- ing what is undoubtedly the finest lor.-' don't let it happen, please don't let it men". : •h I'li.i ;je drawn to the need f At the lobby, and ai subsequent meetings day. November 30th, 19.>8. sponsored by of open political speakers in London I all twelve of them. James Plunkett has effort. stands by its own particular strength. But, happen," because she hoped that if she Willi MPs. especially in endeavouring to Members of Parliament and Trade Union July 1959 no less than 22 separate speake: s.ut imitated or followed anybody in his as with all writers who strike out into (1) Municipal control of lodgings, secure support for the petition, a difficulty said that often enough it really would not Back in the city his colleague at the officials and resulted in a uselul exchange got on our various platforms 111 Lontlo: •.echnique of the short story." the pedan- realms of their own. it is neither reason- wmch had been raised on previous occa- (2) Trade Unions to consider providing ot views reported back in the Labour move- happen. She iust can't go on working and office, Ellis, is searching all Ca-sey's haunts sion.*. assumed an acute lorm. If an the great majority young, in their ea: iic mumbo-jumbo responsible for the com- able nor possible to ticket and docket James ment. Similar conferences were arranged makes an excuse to get out of the office. for him but without success. Meanwhile amenities lor youth. e:iq i:i". wa> to be held, it must be under twenties. '1 lie policy of educational bran, monplace cut-and-tailored type of short Plunkett's stories. They stand by them- ill Manchester and Birmingham, ihough We are left in the office with some of its Casey, in his fever, thinks that the mes- -..me definite powers. The Kingston Con- meetings had provided them with li siory which too often is about little or selves and one either accepts them or re- (3 Publicity in relation to anti tubercu- with U'.e. matte»«n»ir' wan-«s- >-nfn.-.-
CONTINUED FROM SPIOR 5PEAR BABBLEJACK DR. SOPEft PAGE ONE "It is thoroughly undemocratic for which he dangled in the face ol Dr. LE TADHG MAC Soper with the words, For yojr Popish any small group to assume they have iONNRACHIAIGH ANONYMOUS garb, Sir. For your leather grdle, Sir," the right to prevent a speaker from pE dheire agus fe dheoidh ta na sula "I ONGFORD LEADER'S" "Weekly saying what is in his heart. If you don't Mr. Wylie then attempted to place the a oscailt do mhuintir na tire seo Look Around" man was the inno- believe in Democracy what do you be- beads 011 Dr. Soper's shoulder hut tuev lell on the ground. Mr. Wylie t-.e-i picked i dtaobh cad ta ag titim amach ins na lieve in?" cent abroad. Somebody let him loose them up and threw them at Dr. Saoji over coilineacha go hairithe san Aifric. Le in London while the 'Daily Mail' race "Evidently." Mr. Soper
Bait an seeal e chomh maith go raibh I PROCESSION LEAVES PLATT FIELDS 3.45 p.m. daoiiic ag labhaiit ar an meastaoiian | agus lad ag stealladh Bearla ualha1 Ach SUNDAY, 30th AUGUST nuair clmmihnimid nach leidir le hemnc ! an nost is luu'ha d'fhail sa stail-sheirbhis I followed by Mass Meeting at All Saints', Sydney St. Croft, 4.30 p.m. gan Gaoilge bheith aige ach gur leidir leis bheith na aire naltais tiiigimid go Speakers: LESLIE LEVER, M P., JOHN HOSTETTLER bhfuilimid t;igaifhe 1 blifad o Iheall tm- | HORACE NEWBOLD DESMOND GREAVES aeht 1916. (See., Manrlirstrr Trades Council) ll ditor, 'Irish Democrat I D. KILCOMMINS, JOSEPH.DEIGHAN and others. Printed by Riplev Printers Ltd (T.U.)| Nottingham Road. Ripley. Derbys . and j published by the Editor at 374 Grays Inn UNITY IS STRENGTH Road, London. W.C.I.