§ 52. Mr. BYRNEasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Irish prisoners interned in Frongoch, while unanimously appreciative of their treatment by the officers and men generally, are, and have for several months been, unanimous in protesting against the conception of his duties displayed by Colonel Lambert, the commandant of the camp; and whether he will now, in the public interest, cause that gentleman to be promoted to some more suitable office in France where he will not have unarmed men to deal with?
§ 53. Mr. BYRNEasked the Home Secretary if he received a letter, dated 13th November, 1916, from the Irish prisoners at Frongoch Camp, complaining of the treatment of fifteen of the hut leaders who have been returned for trial by district courts-martial; if he will say whether this means special punishment; if he is aware that the alleged offence they are being court-martialled; for involves 327 other prisoners; if he will state the charge for which they are to be court-martialled; and, seeing that the commandant's treatment of the prisoners is likely to cause a riot, will he consider the advisability of releasing the prisoners?
Mr. SAMUELI have received the letter to which the hon. Member refers. Fifteen hut leaders at Frongoch are awaiting trial by a Military Court for refusing to answer to their names when the roll was called. These men set the example of disobeying orders, the rest merely imitated them. Apart from this incident the camp is in good order. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.