Dr. O'Dea and Military Discipline

The Tuam Herald, Saturday August 28, 1920.

Most Rev. Dr. O'Dea, Bishop of Galway has addressed the following letter to the Rev. M. Griffin, P. P. Oranmore: —

Dear Father Griffin, — I consider it a duty to protest against the terrorism and destruction of property perpetrated in your parish on Saturday night. I need not tell you how deeply I sympathises with priests and all people in what must have been a most harassing experience. The first duty of a Government is to protect life and property. The British Government, now holding Ireland down by brute force, not only fails in this primary duty, but tries hard to hinder others from discharging it, and even permits its own agents to persecute a protracted campaign of frightfulness and destruction of property against unoffending people.

It is an aggravation of this crime against the public peace to allege as an excuse that these men have "got out of hand." Discipline can be maintained, and doubtless, would be if there was a question of action that weakened the British influence. The least that can be expected is that this anarchy and terrorism shall stop at once, and that full compensation shall be immediately made by the Government agents.

You will, of course, direct your people to seek strength and comfort from our Good Father in Heaven, who will never fail to protect who trust in Him.