MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War what records, if any, and how substantiated, exist as to the alleged volunteering for foreign service of soldiers of the Irish Militia, not Reserve men; if he will produce these records in the case of the South Cork Militia now stationed at Dover. And whether the orders for embarkation of the Louth Militia stationed at Sheffield have been cancelled: and, if so, why.
§ MR. WYNDHAMAn independent staff officer was present, when the South Cork Militia paraded, in order to ensure that no pressure was put upon the men. He reported that some men were unwilling to go on foreign service. There is no other record. The orders for the Louth Militia to embark have been cancelled because an insufficient number of men were willing to go. A Scottish battalion has taken its place. I may add that there is a keen competition among Militia battalions for the honour of serving abroad.
§ [No answer was given.]
569MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire whether the Wexford Militia stationed at Aldershot have refused to proceed to the front, and if so on what grounds; and whether any of the men are to be tried by court-martial for refusing to go to the war.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe required proportion did not volunteer for foreign service. To ask why any did not volunteer would be putting on pressure, which has always been avoided.