From the Joseph McGarrity Papers.
Oglaigh na hÉireann (Irish Republican Army).
General Headquarters, Dublin.
February 9th, 1923.
Comrades,
We have reached a supreme crisis in the struggle waged by us in defence of the Republic. Since June last the Army has withstood all efforts to break it by force in the field, and by vile and false propaganda. To-day it is in a much stronger military position than at any period in its history.
Having failed by force to break the morale and spirit of the Army the enemy has resorted to intrigue and to the employment of every base method to accomplish his ends. He seeks, by breaking individual officers, to undermine the discipline of the Army. Realising however, the enemy’s past record in negotiations for peace—bad faith, broken promises and deceit, you will not be deluded by his present wiles into surrendering the strong position you have so dearly won. The war will go on until the independence of our country is recognised by our enemies, foreign and domestic. There can be no compromise on this fundamental condition. Victory is within our grasp, if we stand unitedly and firmly.
You can confidently rely on the situation being effectively handled by the Government, and H.Q. of the Army Command. The situation can only be destroyed by the ill-considered and precipitate action of individuals. You will therefore maintain the strictest discipline, and continue to carry out activities with vigour.
You will be encouraged in this stand by the glorious sacrifices made for the Republic in the past—the sacrifices of some of Ireland’s best and noblest soldiers. Our attitude in this crisis may decide whether or not the object for which they were made shall be achieved.
When the present struggle was forced on us we realised the terrible consequences only too well, and did our utmost to avert them. We shall not now falter on the threshold of victory or rob the nation of the fruits of those sacrifices.
Liam Lynch,
CHIEF OF STAFF.