November 28 1973
Sir – With the setting up of the new Executive, we see another settlement imposed by the British Government on the Irish people. In the past, Ireland has seen several such “settlements” which were doomed to failure. As is this one.
Sinn Féin (Kevin Street) policy is to let the people of Ireland settle their own differences without any interference from Britain.
We see the SDLP entering a partnership with Brian Faulkner. A “fine” partner for anyone! Time and time again in the past we heard Fitt, Hume, Currie, etc state quite clearly that they would not enter into any agreement with the British Government while internment or “detention” lasted. There are still 600 men, women and boys interned.
The only people to benefit by the setting up of this Executive are the SDLP and the Unionists. Whitelaw [William, Secretary of State] has said that some internees would be released before Christmas (here we see the proverbial spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down). He is again using the internees as pawns in a political game.
Letter from the PRO of the Liam Lynch Sinn Féin Cumann, written from 'A' Wing of Belfast Prison, articulating Sinn Féin’s opposition to the power-sharing agreement reached between the Ulster Unionist Council, the SDLP and the Alliance Party, citing Britain’s involvement in Ireland as the root cause of divisions.
Witnesses to be Heard in Human Rights Case
The European Human Rights Commission in Strasbourg heard witnesses called by the Irish Government to substantiate its charges that Britain has violated human rights in Northern Ireland.
A spokesman for the commission said about 15 Irish witnesses would be heard this week. And British witnesses would be heard next month. No details about the hearings would be released.
While negotiations were ongoing between the British and Irish governments, as well as the local political parties, Dublin pursued its case with the commission for what it saw as breaches of the law by Britain in how it governed Northern Ireland.
Higgins in Semis after Withdrawal Threat
Alex “Hurricane” Higgins, of Belfast, threatened to withdraw from the Norwich Union £3,500 World Open Snooker Championships in London last night.
Higgins held up play for 15 minutes before the fifth frame of his quarter-final with Cliff Thorburn when he noticed that two spectators were sitting in seats formerly occupied by his girlfriend.
He remonstrated with them and warned officials “I’ll withdraw from the tournament” but finally was cooled down by the senior referee, Bill Timms, and an organiser, Simon Weaver. He went on to win the next two frames and the match.
The ever-colourful Alex Higgins lost the semi-final to John Spencer who went on to win the tournament outright.
