| An interview with the Cornish National Liberation Army |
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Page 2 of 2 Journalists from The Telegraph, The Sun and The Sunday Times, along with countless freelance writers, have descended upon Cornwall along with camera crews from several television stations; all to leave empty-handed with no leads to the CNLA. So who are the CNLA? Do they exist? A reporter from Cornish World was approached to exclusively reveal the means and motives behind the Cornish National Liberation Army. This is a statement from the CNLA. ITALICS: In publishing this statement, Cornish World does not endorse the policies, actions or motives of the Cornish National Liberation Army. Nor does Cornish World, or any of the Cornish World team, have any connection with the CNLA. “Many have asked if the Cornish National Liberation Army actually exist. I am here to say that they do. We have members from previous organisations who have taken part in direct action for what we firmly believe is good for Kernow. We have a central directing council and devolved cells; each cell does not know the identities of those in the other cell, nor of their activities. To avoid clashes, we have agreed geographical boundaries. We have around 30 members across Kernow. We have substantial support in the local community. This support is not from criminals but from people who fear for our country’s future and for the future of its children. We have closet support within many local services and organisations. Our members and supporters, whoever and whatever they be, are Celtic Cornish first and foremost. We have links with those in similar organisations in other Celtic nations. We have received funding from elsewhere but also from within. We are not prepared to discuss the amount of cash held. Some of our organisation have met members from other Celtic direct action organisations and have taken advice from them. It is natural that fellow Celts are prepared to help us as we would them. Our active membership comprises younger people from many different backgrounds. Other Cornish nationalists from more moderate backgrounds try to stop direct action. We feel that we have tried democratic means to the point of exhaustion and the time is due for other means to be adopted. If only those in Westminster had listened to the moderate and liberal Cornish people. We do not wish to cause injury and we want to limit any damage to the minimum. Our motives are simple. To have Kernow recognized as a Celtic nation and to be granted at least the governance that has occurred in Wales, and better still, Scotland. Historically, we feel that our demand is justified. Kernow is not England; Cornish people are not English. This is a fact; the flag of Saint George of England is an insult to us and to many other liberal Cornish. Historically, it is a sign of imperialism on the part of the English. Its very existence is a reminder to us of events of the past and of English arrogance now. Nothing is more certain of provoking the direct action of our organisation, even if such flags are flown from churches. The original people of Kernow are denied proper housing whilst their traditional homes are used by wealthy incomers for a few weeks of each year. It is a basic human right to have a roof over your head. Cornish people are denied proper employment; they are paid very little for long hours. Kernow receives a lower level of Westminster funding than many other regions and our health and services cannot cope. The Westminster politicians seem to ignore this or to quote facts and figures which are meaningless. A small grant to allow for the re-development of a Cornish language which was bloodily taken from us, whilst being good, is a case of ‘too little, too late’. We intend to continue to take direct action to further our cause. The word will spread and we hope it results in better housing, employment and recognition of our little nation. Other nations are smaller then ours, so why should we not self-rule? Cornish problems are better solved by Cornish people. We do not expect sympathy; those involved in direct action have often been criticised, even placed in prison. They have often gone on to become leaders of nations. Our members have ripped down English flags and sprayed graffiti. This action will continue as long as there is a member left. This is a matter close to our hearts as Celtic Cornish people. We are not racists, we simply ask for parity and self-governance. Kernow bys vyken.” An interview with the Cornish National Liberation Army. Cornish World (CW): What is the overall aim of the CNLA? Cornish National Liberation Army (CNLA): At the very least, a self governing Kernow, similar to Wales, Scotland and the other Celtic nations. A Kernow properly recognized as a Celtic nation. CW: What recent circumstances or events made the CNLA form? CNLA: Greedy rises in house prices and a lack of real opportunities for Cornish people. CW: Does it have a policy of violence against the person or is it concerned more with direct action against property? CNLA: We do not agree with violence against the person. We have taken and will take direct action against property. CW: Under what circumstances would the CNLA disband? CNLA: When Kernow achieves self-government and our little nation is properly recognized CW: Does it fear Government reprisals? CNLA: Yes, constantly, in fact we suspect that we are under surveillance CW: Will the public be won over by violence? CNLA: Are they ever won over by the false promises of Westminster politicians? CW: What is their opinion of the English living in Cornwall? CNLA: We have no problem with them provided they remember Kernow is not in England. CW: Is the Cornish movement a class struggle? CNLA: Historically, the Cornish have always been underdogs, working class by English standards and mocked for their traditions. We believe the time has come for our finest minds to be employed in a self-governing Kernow. CW: Will there be splinter groups? How strong is the leadership? CNLA: We so hope not and our leadership is very strong. CW: Is the group a serious one or is it a PR stunt? CNLA: It is serious. Kernow has been let down by politicians and their empty promises. CW: What kind of things are the CNLA going to do? CNLA: Action against property whenever possible, specifics are for us. CW: Is there a chance that people could be hurt? CNLA: We so hope not. |
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