A chara - In the matter of offices at Westminster for the newly elected Provisional MPs, the Oath of Allegiance to the Queen of England is not the issue, English sovereignty in Ireland is. The real question is participation in the British parliament. To do so is to acknowledge and accept the English claim to rule in Ireland. Accordingly, those who take part in Westminster - and the Provisional Movement is already half way there - forfeit all right to resist British rule in Ireland.
The weaving and manoeuvring of the Provos on this question is highly reminiscent of de Valera's gyrations as he finally came to accept the 26-County parliament. The Provisionals are providing us with a repeat performance 70 years later.
However, the nationally minded people will not be taken for granted if the looming change by the Provos from revolution to constitutionalism in the Six Occupied Counties takes place, even gradually. There will always be those who reject British rule politically and even those who actively resist it. That is the lesson of Irish history. - Yours. etc..
President,
Republican Sinn Fein, Parnell Street,
Dublin 1.