Liam de Róiste Papers Descriptive List Ref. U271

376

Irish Christian Front 20 Sep 1936 Level: Item Extent: 7pp Part of: U271/L/3 Scope and Content: 'This mighty meeting of the citizens of Cork is the challenge of a Christian democracy to the pretended democrats of the anti-Christian, Communist front, wherever it be....'

Reference:

U271/L/3/2

Date:

nd [20 Sep 1936]

Title:

TS. and MS. texts of resolutions/speech by Liam de Róiste for public meeting

in Cork of the Irish Christian Front. Level: Item Extent: 2pp Part of: U271/L/3 Scope and Content:

Contains 4 points/resolutions of the public meeting. The first expresses profound sympathy with 'our persecuted co-religionists in Spain'. The second rejoices 'in the heroic example of so many confessors and martyrs'. The third pays homage to all in Spain fighting the common cause of Christendom. The fourth pledges to further social justice in Ireland according to Catholic social principles and to resist Communism and 'all other forces that would deprive us of our Christian heritage'.

Reference:

U271/L/3/3

Date:

nd [20 Sep 1936]

Title:

TS. text and draft of speech by Liam de Róiste for public meeting in Cork of

the Irish Christian Front. Level: Item Extent:

2pp (2 copies)

Part of:

U271/L/3

Scope and Content: 'In aimn Dé agus Muire. This mighty meeting of the citizens of Cork is the challenge of a Christian democracy to the pretended democrats of the anti-Christian Communist front, wherever it be.....'. Accuses Stalin, Caballero and Calles of being 'no more democrats than were Nero...or Attila the Hun'. Refers to the cross being supplanted by 'the Hammer and Sickle or the Swastika'. Refers to the 'poison' of communism entering Ireland through the Irish Times and the Irish Communist Party, as a 'propaganda poison', also sympathisers and apologists for the Red terror of Spain. Man is not 'a dancing automaton in a state machine nor a number nothing in the communist class'. Refers to 'those who say the struggle in Spain is between fascism so-called and democracy', 'if Fascism is atheist, or anti-Christian, we will have none of it'. Suggests ways to support 'the battle for Christianity', without infringing upon politics, including having a 'truly Christian, democratic social policy' for Ireland. Says the Irish Christian Front 'is not a party, league or a new organisation', but 'a crusade based on a living and fundamental principle- God or Caesar'.

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