Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 27, 18 September 1914, Page 5

Great Britain

“OUR COUNTRY FIRST.”

A UNITED FRONT ON LAND AND SEA. “OUR COUNTRY IFIRST.” London,- September 17. Mr F. E. Smith, interviewed, said that although the Unionists justly resented the Government’s action, all parties were showing a firm detenninaItion to make every endeavor to defeat [Britain’s common enemy. Until that 'had been accomplished all domestic differences would lie laid aside. Gerjman diplomacy would doubtless detect the evidence of a divided nation in Tuesday’s speeches. It had shown a remarkable aptitude- for mistaking our temper and purpose, but if the German authorities would rightly understand what had happened in the blouse of Commons they should read Mr Bonar Law’s and Sir Edward Carson’s declarations in the debate, showing that our country comes first. Mr Smith added that such utterances represented the deep conviction of the Unionists that a united front would persist as long as there was peril to Britain on laud or sea.

MR REDMOND’S STIRRING AREAL FOR AN IRISH BRIGADE.

“UNION IN THE FIELD MAY LEAD

TO UNION AT HOME."

London, September 17

Mr Redmond, in a manifesto to the Irish people, says he is confident that Ireland is willing to share the burdens and sacrifices of the just war undertaken in defence of the sacred rights of the liberties of nations with whom we are much akin. He adds; “Even when no ties of sympathy bound Great Britain and Ireland, the latter gave her quota and more to the firing line.” He suggests that “Irish recruits should be formed into an Irish Brigade, officered as far as possible by Irishmen, enabling Ireland to gain national credit for their deeds, and to feel’ like the other communities in the Empire that she had contributed an army bearing her name in this historic struggle. Simultaneously with the formation of this brigade for service abroad, our volunteers must be put in a state of efficiency for the country’s defence. Thus, at the end of the war, Ireland should possess an army of which she can be proud.” Concluding, he appeals to his “countrymen of different creeds and political opinions to accept the friendship we haVe so consistently offered them, and allow this great war to swallow up all smaller issues, and that as our soldiers are going to shed their blood aild die at each other’s union in the field may lead to union in their home, and their blood bo a side for the same high purpose, their seal that will bring all Ireland together in, one nation.

EX-NEW ZEALANDER AMONG

THE WOUNDED.

(Received 8.50 a.m.) London, September 17. The name of Major Maidlow, recent, ly from New Zealand, has been gazetted amongst the wounded.

BRITAIN’S FIRST NEW ARMY OF 500,000.

(Received 9.25 a.m.) London, September 17. The first new army of half a million is near completion. London’s contribution was 70,000.