THE DAILY REVIEW

OF THE FOREIGN PRESS

London, England

27 August 1915

(pages 8-9)

PART II.—THE ENEMY PRESS.

THE IRISH REPUBLIC.

Declaration of Independence

and War in New York

Ten Irish patriots, led by the well-known poet, Aleister Crowley, read a Declaration of the Independence of Ireland from England at the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour at dawn on 4th July—the historic date of our own freedom’s birth. A long and eloquent address was made, and then the Secret Revolutionary Committee concluded the ceremony with this Declaration:—

1. That we put our trust and confidence in the Judge of the whole world, appealing to Him to witness the righteousness of our intent.

2. That, declaring England the enemy of civilization, justice, equity, and freedom, and therefore of the human race, we do hereby lawfully establish the Republic of the Men and Women of the Irish People, free and independent by right human and divine, having full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliance, establish commerce, and to do all other things which independent States may of right do.

3. That we do hereby dissolve all political connection between that republic and the usurper, absolving of their allegiance to England (a) all free people of good will that are of Irish blood, (b) all free people of good will born in Ireland, (c) all free people of good will who may hereafter desire to partake of the benefits of the Irish Republic, and effectually acquire these rights by the forms provided.

4. That we do hereby declare war upon England until such time as our demands being granted, our rights recognized, and our power firmly established in our own country from which we are now exiled, we may see fit to restore to her the blessings of peace, and to extend to her the privileges of friendship.

And for the support of this declaration, with a firm and hearty reliance upon the protection of God, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and out sacred honour.

Long live the Irish Republic!

The official copy of this Declaration of Independence is “signed by order, and on behalf of the Committee” by “Aleister Crowley, 418,” and “attested” by “L. Bathurst [Leila Waddell], 77.”

On the way back, the Irish patriots and the Green Banner were cheered by the sailors upon the interned German liners.

(Continental Times, 11th August)