Instead of the cry of "The Army vows the People"
catching on, and the nation being persuaded that the officers at the Curragh attempted to usurp the functions of the civil power and to create a military domination, the nation has gradually come to understand that General Gough and the officers of the Cavalry Brigade, by their single-mindedness, saved the country from a terrible disaster. When they were asked whether they would take action which, whatever the motive, they knew must end in an attack on the Ulstermen, or leave the Service, they chose dismissal from the profession they loved, and what was little short of financial ruin for themselves. They made no demand to control Parliament or the Executive, or to prevent the officers who disagreed with them taking a different course. They merely declared that they would lose all rather than be parties to what they regard as a crime. Who dare call such men plotters or enemies of the people P
