Beschreibung:

Irish Republican Army. A very rare poster or broadside, the right hand portion announcing the IRA's 1939 military campaign against England, with a reproduction of the 1916 Proclamation on left. Signed 'on behalf of the Republican Government and the Army Council of Oglaigh na hEireann (Irish Republican Army)' by six Council members including Stephen Hayes Patrick Fleming and Sean Russell, the right hand portion printed in capitals. On frail paper, circa 380 x 480 mm, fold marks, minor hole on left hand side but no significant loss. No printer, no date but January 1939. 'We call upon England to withdraw her armed forces, her civilian officials and institutions, and representatives of all kinds from every part of Ireland, as an essential preliminary to arrangements for peace and friendship between the two countries; and we call upon the people of all Ireland, at home and in exile, to assist us in the effort we are about to make in God's name, to compel that evacuation and to enthrone the Republic of Ireland.' The 'effort' consisted of a bombing campaign in England, which caused substantial damage but was entirely unsuccessful in bringing about its declared aims. The campaign followed a change of leadership at the Army's 1938 Convention, where Sean Russell became chief of staff. Surviving members of the Second Dail were persuaded to endorse a resolution giving the IRA 'governmental' authority, which it used to issue an ultimatum and a declaration of war against England, expiring on 15 January 1939. The campaign of explosions began the following day and continued through the spring and summer, culminating in the Coventry massacre in late August, when a bomb abandoned by its operator in a busy street killed five people and injured sixty. It led to legislation allowing deportations from Britain, and ultimately to internment in Ireland during the Second World War. Irish Republican Army. A very rare poster or broadside, the right hand portion announcing the IRA's 1939 military campaign against England, with a reproduction of the 1916 Proclamation on left. Signed 'on behalf of the Republican Government and the Army Council of Oglaigh na hEireann (Irish Republican Army)' by six Council members including Stephen Hayes Patrick Fleming and Sean Russell, the right hand portion printed in capitals. On frail paper, circa 380 x 480 mm, fold marks, minor hole on left hand side but no significant loss. No printer, no date but January 1939. 'We call upon England to withdraw her armed forces, her civilian officials and institutions, and representatives of all kinds from every part of Ireland, as an essential preliminary to arrangements for peace and friendship between the two countries; and we call upon the people of all Ireland, at home and in exile, to assist us in the effort we are about to make in God's name, to compel that evacuation and to enthrone the Republic of Ireland.' The 'effort' consisted of a bombing campaign in England, which caused substantial damage but was entirely unsuccessful in bringing about its declared aims. The campaign followed a change of leadership at the Army's 1938 Convention, where Sean Russell became chief of staff. Surviving members of the Second Dail were persuaded to endorse a resolution giving the IRA 'governmental' authority, which it used to issue an ultimatum and a declaration of war against England, expiring on 15 January 1939. The campaign of explosions began the following day and continued through the spring and summer, culminating in the Coventry massacre in late August, when a bomb abandoned by its operator in a busy street killed five people and injured sixty. It led to legislation allowing deportations from Britain, and ultimately to internment in Ireland during the Second World War.