‘When I was in America I used to be amused about the talk of extremists and moderates and differences of opinion,’ he said. ‘There are no differences of opinion amongst us’. He went on to emphasise that this was not only within the cabinet, but also within the whole movement. He then proceeded on to engage in a piece of theatrics to bolster his own carefully cultivated image of passionate sincerity. It had been agreed to release at noon the text of his latest letter to Lloyd George confirming ‘the anticipatory judgment’ of the Dáil’s rejection of the British offer. As there was still two minutes to go, he waited in silence for the two minutes. He then read the letter, which concluded by intimating that the British should convene a conference to negotiate a democratic peace settlement. ‘To negotiate such a peace, Dáil Éireann is ready to appoint its representatives, and, if your Government accepts the principle proposed, to invest them with plenary powers to meet and arrange with you for its application in detail.’ De Valera then nominated the six men who were to make up the new cabinet with him.
What do You think about I Signed My Death Warrant?
