'I knew people would not let us down.'

It was at the tremendous republican rally in College Green in Dublin after the defeat of the Cosgrave Government in 1932. Immediately it became known that the old Government had been routed at the polls the gaol gates had been flung open, as the feeling in the country would brook no delay for preliminary legislative changes or red-tape procedure.

The mass meeting of welcome to the prisoners was inspiring, and the excited crowd greeted each speaker with deafening cheers. 'I knew the people would not let us down!', said Frank Ryan, and the mighty crowd roared their appreciation, applauding themselves this time and justly proud that Frank's faith in them had been justified.

We may be sure that Frank's faith in the people is as strong as ever today.

Some of us remember how tens of thousands of republicans, under his leadership, policed the streets of Dublin on the 11th of November to ensure that no overzealous imperialist abused the occasion to make a display of imperialist emblems. We may remember the firm, unyielding, disciplined behaviour of the republican masses to the brutal terror the Cosgrave regime as it felt its end drawing near. We may remember when the fascist Blueshirt Convention was held in Dublin a minor civil war was waged in the streets of the capital. Or we may recall some of the hundred and one smaller day-to-day struggles. In all of these battles, big or small, Frank played his part - leading, encouraging, advising, fighting.

It is now unnecessary to vindicate the men of the International Brigade. What has happened subsequent to the victory of fascism in Spain renders theoretical argument unnecessary. Frank offered his services to the Spanish government because he believed that if fascism was not defeated in Spain further millions of people would be involved in the miseries and horrors of war. To save the British people from the fate which now hovers threateningly over the Irish people - this was his aim. To bring him back to Ireland is of the most vital importance in these ominous days when the forces which he has fought so well and nobly all his life - "the dark evil forces in Irish politics" - are jeopardising the very existence of the people.

Let us make certain that this time, too, Frank's faith in us will have been justified.