I shall strive not to be guilty of adding any fuel to the flames of hatred and passion which, if continued to be fed, promise to burn up whatever is left by the war of decent human feeling in Europe.
Meaning of the quote
This quote is saying that the speaker will try their best not to make the anger and strong feelings between people in Europe any worse. If these angry feelings are allowed to continue growing, they could destroy what little kindness and decency is left in Europe after the war. The speaker wants to avoid adding anything that could make these negative emotions and divisions even stronger.
About Eamon de Valera
Eamon de Valerawas an American-born Irish statesman and political leader. He served several terms as head of government and head of state and had a leading role in introducing the 1937 Constitution of Ireland.
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The part which American friendship played in helping us to win the freedom we enjoy in this part of Ireland has been gratefully recognized and acknowledged by our people.
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If war comes upon us, it will come as a thief in the night.
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It is indeed hard for the strong to be just to the weak, but acting justly always has its rewards.
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Since this war began our sympathy has gone out to all the suffering people who have been dragged into it. Further hundreds of millions have become involved since I spoke at Limerick fortnight ago.
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By keeping the annuities, we could build up a national industry every years as big as the Shannon Scheme.
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It is the duty of our men to enroll themselves in the national services. We need all our manpower for defence. For the military and… we need a quarter of a million men.
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