Ex-Unionist General's Talk with Mr. de Valera
General Sir Hubert Gough, who has been in Dublin on " a businesi mission," paid a courtesy visit to the head of the Government, and afterwards gave to the Press an account of his conversation with Mr. de Valera.
" Mr: de Valera," he said, " discussed the question of defence with me, and I agreed with him that it might be possible to have a factory established here for the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and, perhaps, small shells.
" My view is that we, Irish, own the Commonwealth. We contributed largely to its building and whether we are part of it or separate from it, we still have an interest in it and a responsibility."
With regard to anti-aircraft artillery, Mr. de Valera said, according to General Gough. that supplies would be purchased from England. * * * * General Gough, who now is a champion of the cause of Irish Unity under the new Constitution, in association with the Commonwealth, is the general whose refusal to move troops against the Northern Volunteers in 1914 was known as the " Curragh Mutiny."
Last week, the Orangemen of Bangor, County Down, proposed the revival of the Ulster Volunteer force—though, in reality, it still exists as the " B." Specials. financed by the British Government.