Madam, - The Irish Volunteers were initially formed in 1913 as a defence force to ensure the implementation of Home Rule. Like its predecessor, the General Headquarters Staff of the Volunteers was established in March, 1918 by the Volunteer Executive as a defence force in response to Lloyd George's conscription threat and at the time of the German plot.
Dermot Meleady (September 24th) is correct when he acknowledges that the GHQ Staff was not responsible for the isolated events in 1919 nor did it approve of these events.
It remained quiescent as a military force until the end of 1919 but was then obliged to take action because of the British campaign of intimidation and imprisonment of Sinn Féin speakers, the suppression of Sinn Féin, the Gaelic League and the Volunteers in June 1919, and the suppression of the Dáil later in the autumn.
Military action started in January, 1920, with the attacks on RIC barracks, carried out initially in association with the Cork Volunteers.
There is no reason to believe that GHQ would have commenced military action without the draconian attempts adopted by the RIC to suppress the activities of the representatives elected by people.
Dermot Meleady is not correct in implying that the War of Independence, extending from January, 1920, to July, 1921, was not based on democratic principles. The decision to commence hostilities was approved by Cathal Brugha, Minister for Defence in the first Dáil, and responsibility for the war was subsequently accepted by Dáil Éireann.
One must agree with Mr Meleady that it was unfortunate that Home Rule was not established in 1914. It was equally unfortunate that the 1918 election did not evoke a conciliatory response from Lloyd George and his Cabinet. - Yours, etc.,
RISTEARD MULCAHY, Roebuck Road, Dublin, 14