The Morning Post of Wednesday reprinted from the Dublin Xvening
Telegraph the full and extremely interesting text of
three documents written by Mr. Liam Mellowes, a prominent leader of the Irish Irregulars who was associated with Mr. Rory O'Connor in the holding of the Four Courts. These documents, which he wrote whilst a prisoner and which have been very wisely published by the Free State authorities, embody a poli- tical programme for his party, including the setting up of a Provisional Republican Government "even if it is unable to function, or to function only in a most limited way." Mr. Mellowes goes on to define and interpret the social programme of his party. He points out that the immediate translation of this programme, as adopted by the Dail in January, 1919, into "something definite" is essential "if the great body of the workers me to be kept on the side of independence." His translation is definite enough ; the words "universal con- fiscation" summarise it. The Republican State is to control all industry, to operate all transport, banks, etc., "for the workers' and farmers' benefit." The lands of "the aristocracy," defined as "those who support the Free State and the British con- nection," are to be seized and divided. We hope that a wide circulation will be given to Mr. Mellowes' ingenuous scheme for helping the Republic by "anything that will prevent Irish labour becoming Imperialist and respectable."
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