There
are rumours prevalent based upon inquiring phone calls
received today that I have been subpoenaed by the
Sackville inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday,
in Derry, in 1972; arising from comments allegedly
made by myself in a biography of Martin McGuinness
by Liam Clarke and Kathy Johnston.
At
the time of issuing this statement there does not
exist any foundation for the rumours whatsoever. But
it could be an example or case of no smoke without
fire.
In
the event however of being subpoenad to attend the
inquiry I must state that it would be contrary to
my will and conscience to do so. For as a Republican
I oppose the British military and administrative presence
in Ireland and logically from this position I cannot
willingly participate in what is a British instituted
inquiry.
If
the rumours prove to be true however I naturally will
seek advice and if I am forced to attend it will be
in protest against the infrigement of my freedom of
will and conscience.
Upon
reflection I have no doubt that the resurrection of
an inquiry into the events of that murderous day is
a political act initially based upon the need to coax
the nationalist people into supporting the Belfast
Agreement rather than seeking justice for the dead,
the wounded, and their relatives.
The
inquiry is also I believe an attempt to discredit
Irish Republicanism. . . as well as being an intelligence
gathering operation of some magnitude.
If
as evidence apparently exists that the British Prime
Minister was considering the possibility on an occasion
of bringing gunboats up the Foyle to bomb or fire
upon the Creggan and the Bogside then I have no doubt
he would have no qualms about the events of Bloody
Sunday. Thus I believe the British Prime Minster of
the time, Edward Heath, his advisers, and the military
brass should be tried at an International War Crimes
Tribunal.
It
is obvious as the inquiry draws to an end that British
national self interest is prevalent and that they
are in pursuit of a scapegoat, or scapegoats, and
if it is not the Provisionals or the remnants of the
Officials it could be yours truly or wee Seamus down
the Bog.
The
British state apparently is desperate in their state
of denial.
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