§ 58. Mr. LYNCHasked the Prime Minister whether, in addition to the reports of the military authorities, he receives communications from civilians competent to judge as to the effect of the continuance of martial law in Ireland; and whether, if it be made clear that martial law is extending the area of unrest and disaffection and increasing the spirit of resistance to the Government, he will take steps immediately to put an end to martial law?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given on my behalf by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary last Thursday.
§ Mr. LYNCHHas the Government wilfully closed its ears to the reports of people in Ireland that the best recruiters for Sinn Feinism at present are the British Government?
§ 63. Mr. LYNCHasked the Prime Minister whether, in regard to the continuance of martial law in Ireland, he has taken into account the importance of public opinion in the United States and the desirability of profiting by the comparison of British declarations and German conduct in Belgium; whether he has been informed that the tendency of recent events has been to modify opinion in America to the detriment of this country; and whether he will take the earliest steps possible to put an end to military law in Ireland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWith regard to the first part of the question, I can assure the hon. Member that all relevant considerations are borne in mind. With regard to the second part, I am confident that in proportion as the people of the United States of America become acquainted with the full facts of the rebellion they will recognise that it has not been dealt with in any spirit of vindictiveness or with any other object than to restore order and prevent the possibility of the recurrence of such misguided and untoward proceedings. I have already answered the last part of the question.
§ Mr. LYNCHMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, in order to establish full confidence in the United States, and to allow them to judge with full connaissance 663 de cause, he will use his influence to remove all restrictions of censorship of news passing between this country and the United States?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would prefer to have notice of that.