§ 85. Mr. GINNELLasked the Postmaster-General if he will state what the arrangement is, if any, between this Government and that of the United States with reference to interference with innocuous correspondence to and from America, respectively; whether it is known to the 1511 American Government that letters of poor people in Ireland to friends in America, seeking financial help in consequence of the death of their relatives in Dublin in the recent rising, and letters from such friends in America conveying help, are alike stopped and confiscated in this country; and whether, instead of stopping the outward letters and leaving their senders in ignorance, the postage having been paid, the senders will be given an option of sighing an official form of expression conveying the substance of the request, which will then be duly forwarded?
§ Mr. TENNANTWhen once it has been established that correspondence between this country and America is innocuous, it is subjected to no interference whatever by the censorship authorities in this country. This rule is of general and universal application. No exception is, of course, made in the case of the letters of poor people in Ireland who require or receive financial assistance. No arrangement has been made with the Government of the United States in regard to the censorship of this correspondence, the exercise of which is one of the universally recognised rights of sovereignty.
§ Mr. LYNCHIn view of the necessity of preserving not only the good will, but the confidence of the United States, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the effect of the numerous misunderstandings indicated in the question?
§ Mr. TENNANTI quite realise that it is desirable to use precaution and tact in the matter. These most necessary obligations are not being lost sight of.