HC Deb 23 April 1917 vol 92 cc2041-2
81. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what in the nature of reparation has been made to the families of the six men tried by court- martial at Weke, Ceylon, on 17th June, 1915, on a charge of riotous demolition of buildings, sentenced to death, and hanged, though no life was lost in the riots with which the men were alleged to have been connected?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Steel-Maitland)

I am not aware that any reparation has been granted in these cases, and I see no. ground for proposing such a Grant.

Mr. GINNELL

Do the Government approve of the execution of men in a case in which no life has been lost?

Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

The circumstances justified the action taken in this case

82. Mr. GINNELL

asked what notice has been taken of the conduct of Mr. R W. Bryde, special commissioner at Colombo, Ceylon, in issuing a Proclamation in Colombo on 10th June, 1915, that all persons refusing or neglecting to obey any Order by the military or civil authorities, or who may be found carrying firearms, will be liable to be shot, and further that any person harbouring any rioter, or suppressing evidence with regard to the offenders in the recent riots, or spreading any false reports, will be treated as an aider and abettor, and will be liable to be shot; and how many persons were shot without trial under this. Proclamation, and what official position this special commissioner now occupies?

Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

Notices warning persons of penalties to which they would render themselves liable by the commission of certain acts were issued by the orders of the General Officer Commanding the troops, martial law being at the time in force. I see no reason to question the action of Mr. Byrde, who is an officer of the Ceylon civil service. No such notice would, of course, give any power not otherwise possessed by the Executive, and no persons were shot under the Proclamation.

Mr. GINNELL

Was this official entitled to issue a public notice that certain persons would be shot without trial? That is the point.

Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

If the hon. Member will read the notice to which he refers he will see that there was no notice issued saying that anyone would be shot without trial. I think that he has misunderstood it.