HC Deb 08 April 1914 vol 60 cc1949-50
34. Mr. GEORGE TERRELL

asked the Home Secretary whether and the date when the Government were advised by the military authorities that the safest and simplest method of protecting the Army stores at Armagh, Omagh, Dundalk, Carrickfergus, and Enniskillen was to remove them to one of the central depots, and that if the Government directed the movements of troops for the protection of such stores it might lead to misunderstanding and disturbances?

Mr. McKENNA

This advice was tendered at the meeting which took place on 18th March, but it was decided after careful consideration that the better course was to send sufficient troops to guard these stores.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Does not the action which the Government took expose them to grave suspicion of creating a disturbance in Ulster?

Mr. McKENNA

Not by reasonable people.

Mr. AMERY

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that Sir Arthur Paget in thinking such action provocative was a reasonable person?

Mr. McKENNA

The hon. Member has misunderstood.

Sir J. D. REES

In what respect does the action taken differ from a pogrom which hon. Members below the Gangway sometimes charge against the Russian Government?