§ 12. Mr. GINNELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War, in view of the practice of the competent military autho- 672 rity in Ireland in treating the use of Irish as an offence under the Defence of the Realm Act, if he will say by whom a bilingual recruiting leaflet is now being issued through the post; whether its purpose is to bring a number of innocent people within the criminal law; if not, where and by whom it may be read without that risk; and what rules or instructions have been issued on the subject?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe practice alleged in the first part of the hon. Member's question does not exist, and the last part does not, therefore, arise. A bilingual recruiting leaflet has been issued by the Department of Recruiting and will, it is hoped, be studied by all persons receiving it. How it could have the effect suggested by the hon. Gentleman it is difficult to see. The only risk which its readers would run would be that they might thereby be induced to undertake a national and patriotic duty.
§ Mr. GINNELLWould they not run the same risk as Mr. Chavasse, that of being imprisoned, stripped, abused, and fined?
§ Mr. TENNANTI should like to know the crime for which these particular punishments were awarded before I can agree with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. GINNELLIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the crime was that of speaking Irish—nothing else was alleged?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir, I am not aware of that.
§ Mr. R. McNEILLHow many recruits have been obtained in this part of Ireland?
§ Mr. TENNANTQuite a considerable number—I cannot say exactly.