Oath of allegiance preventing return of northern refugees to their homes
Dublin, 19 October 1923 - The Northern Ireland government has refused a request to allow ‘refugees’ from the north in the Free State to return to their homes without a guarantee that they will swear an oath of allegiance.
A conference held last night in Dublin’s Mansion House heard from Captain White from Antrim, who, acting on behalf of a number of refugees from Ulster earlier this summer, had made representations to the Belfast government that they should be permitted to return to their homes in the six counties on giving a pledge to abstain from all unconstitutional action and that, in return, the northern government should not demand from them that they take an oath of allegiance against their conscience as a condition of their return.
Captain White told last night’s meeting that the Belfast administration had responded to the effect that they ‘could not entertain the proposal at present.’ Presiding over last night’s meeting was the former TD, Dr. Patrick McCartan, who said its purpose was to help distressed refugees, whether Republicans or Free Staters.
Patrick McCartan, who presided over the meeting,said its purpose was to help distressed refugees, whether Republicans or Free Staters. (Image: National Library of Ireland)
The issue of an oath has arisen again in recent days after a man, described as an active Sinn Féin organiser, appeared in court in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, after being charged under the Firearms Act. The home of Mr. James Kennedy, Bohatten, near Fivemiletown, was raided on October 17th this year by the Ulster Special Constabulary and 15 rounds of .303 ammunition and a cotton bandolier were discovered. Evidence provided by an officer of the Special Constabulary claimed that Mr. Kennedy, a Sinn Féin organiser, was dangerous and disloyal.
Mr. Kennedy’s defense said that the accused was a peaceable man and wanted to live a loyal and law-abiding life subject to the Northern government. However, when questioned as to whether Mr. Kennedy would take an oath of allegiance, his response was that this would be ‘pushing things too far.’
The case ended with the Resident Magistrate letting the accused, who now professed to be a loyal subject, off with a fine of 20s. Mr. Kennedy will also be bound to the peace for twelve months.
[Editor's note: This is an article from Century Ireland, a fortnightly online newspaper, written from the perspective of a journalist 100 years ago, based on news reports of the time.]
