§ 18. Mr. JOYCEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 1026 Major Sir Francis Vane received a written order from the Viceroy appointing him major on the recruiting staff in Ireland on 31st March, 1916; that on the outbreak of the rebellion Sir Francis Vane volunteered to help in its suppression, and was appointed by garrison order of 24th April a major attached to the 3rd Royal Irish Rifles; that on the 8th May he was recommended by the brigadier commanding the 178th Brigade for his distinguished conduct at the attack on the South Dublin Union, 27th April, as a major commanding the attacking force; that Sir Francis Vane reported in person to Lord Kitchener, as a major, the murders of Messrs. Skeffington, Dickson, and M'Intyre, and was thanked for so doing; that he was ordered to return to England by Sir John Maxwell to report as a major at headquarters, London; and whether he authorised the communication to this officer from the Army Council that, in view of the Report of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Forces in Ireland (Sir J. Maxwell), he would be relegated to unemployment and would relinquish the temporary rank of captain from the date of the communication?
§ Mr. FORSTEROn the third and fourth parts of this question I have nothing to add to what has been stated in the previous replies which have been given. As regards the first point, I am aware that Sir Francis Vane was appointed to perform recruiting duties, but I have no knowledge of any written order from the Viceroy. What is stated in the second part of the question is, no doubt, correct. It would be a local arrangement, details of which would not be reported to the War Office. As regards the fifth part of the question, it has not, I think, ever been suggested that Sir Francis Vane was disobeying orders when he came to London and gave information on what had happened. When it was reported from Ireland that the services of Sir Francis Vane were no longer required for recruiting duties he automatically ceased to be employed, and his temporary commission was automatically terminated.
Mr. HEALYWhat has Sir Francis Vane done to incur the censure of the Government, beyond reporting to Lord Kitchener the fact of three murders being committed in Ireland? And is it because of that you would not even allow him to retain his temporary rank of captain?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir, so far as I am aware that has nothing to do with it.
Mr. HEALYHow did you discover this gentleman until he came over specially and reported these three abominable murders?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe hon. and learned Gentleman is probably not aware of an answer that I previously gave to this question. If he will refer to it he will see that Sir Francis Vane ceased to be employed in a military capacity in June, 1915.
§ Mr. FORSTERThat was a matter for the Viceroy.