HC Deb 08 June 1917 vol 94 cc506-7
31. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has read the decisions reached at the last meeting of Irish National Volunteer officers, held in Dublin on 27th May—namely, respectful sympathy with their fellow countrymen who lost their lives in the cause of freedom in Easter week of 1916, urging the release of those imprisoned for the same cause, the necessity for a volunteer force to defend Ireland against invasion, the withdrawal of the hon. Member for Waterford from the presidency as a condition precedent to any progress, and the representation of Ireland as a distinct nation in the forthcoming International Peace Congress; and whether the National Volunteers who supported the foregoing decisions will now be tried by secret court-martial or banished without trial?

Mr. DUKE

I have read the resolutions in question. I do not agree with the hon. Member's suggestion that the authors of them should be prosecuted.