§ 20. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether German spies have been concerned in the bringing over of German military officers, to hold conference with the Ulster Volunteers previous to the Curragh mutiny, and, if so, are these spies under arrest; had the War Office cognisance of the presence in Ulster of the German military officers referred to; and can he state whether the War Office knows the persons with whom the German officers communicated in Ulster?
§ Mr. TENNANTMy military advisers have no knowledge of the presence in Ireland of any German spies or German military officers in any such circumstances as those mentioned in the question.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIf that is the opinion of the right hon. Gentleman's military authorities, will he be good enough to consult his new colleague the Attorney-General, from whom he might be able to obtain first-hand information?
§ Sir JOHN LONSDALEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is not a shadow of foundation for the suggestion 245 contained in this question that German officers have held conference with Ulster Unionist Volunteers, and is it not a scandal that such a suggestion should be made by any hon. Member of this House?
§ Mr. TENNANTI cannot be responsible for what appears on the Notice Paper. I am not taking any exception to it or making any comment upon it at all. The hon. Gentleman will understand I cannot be responsible for that. With regard to his former question, I say my military advisers have no knowledge of it at all. If the hon. Gentleman assures me that what he has stated is so, of course I take it from him.
§ Sir J. D. REESMight the right hon. Gentleman not properly take exception to this?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir, it is not in my power.
§ Mr. RONALD McNEILLA pure invention!
§ Mr. LYNCHHas the hon. Gentleman the right to give information to this House which was asked of the responsible Minister, and also to weaken his case by protesting too much?