'Spies Will be executed within 24 Hours' O'Maille (Earnan) [Ernie O'Malley]. A signed typescript I.R.A. Order as O.C. 2nd Southern Division, to O.C. East Limerick Brigade, dated December 3rd...

'Spies Will be executed within 24 Hours' O'Maille (Earnan) [Ernie O'Malley]. A signed typescript I.R.A. Order as O.C. 2nd Southern Division, to O.C. East Limerick Brigade, dated December 3rd (1921), apparently envisaging an imminent resumption of hostilities against the British. 'Prepare to demobilize Camps; defence schemes to be rigidly enforced. Hd. Qrs. of all units to be cleared of documents, etc. Leave cancelled ...Mobilize all Active Service Units, and keep them standing, Spies will be executed within first 24 hours of hostilities. Officers and men will cease to appear in public and will consider themselves on Active Service.' With a manuscript copy of the same communication, unsigned on East Limerick Brigade notepaper, probably for distribution within the Brigade. Also with a second Order from 2nd Southern Division dated 7th Dec. cancelling the previous order. The first Order was issued at a time when it seemed that the Truce talks in London were on the point of breaking down. By the time of the second Order, the Treaty had been signed by the plenipotentiaries (on 6th December), though news of its contents were not generally known. As manuscripts and typed documents, w.a.f. * Two documents of great interest and historical significance. Provenance: By direct descent from Family of Sean Mac Carthaigh O.C. East Limerick Brigade.

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