§ 28. Mr. GINNELLasked the Home Secretary whether he will inform those of the Irish political prisoners in penal servitude under sentences of secret courts-martial who are American citizens that they are free to communicate to the Government of the United States the facts that they are enduring penal servitude under sentences of secret courts-martial, and, in addition to handcuffs, are chained in groups on transfer from place to place, provided any such communications are sent through the prison authorities, and will he say whether statements of these facts by those prisoners will be delivered?
§ Sir G. CAVEIn view of the release of the Irish prisoners this question does not now arise.
§ Mr. GINNELLI am afraid it does arise. Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the part of it asking whether authentic statements of fact written by these men will be allowed to reach America now?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe matter does not arise so far as the prisoners are concerned. All these men have been released and have returned to Ireland.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill their statements or the facts of their imprisonment be allowed to reach America?
§ Sir G. CAVEThat does not depend on my Department.
§ 29. Mr. GINNELLasked what it is proposed to do with books, papers, and other private property belonging to the Irish political prisoners in penal servitude in England under sentences of secret courts-martial who have been transferred in chains from one prison to another?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe books, papers, and private property of these prisoners are at their disposal.
§ 45. Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister why a prepaid telegram, accepted by the Postal Department in Dublin, on 22nd May, 1917, addressed to President Wilson, Washington, with reference to the treatment of Irish prisoners, from the Irish Women's Council, 6, Harcourt Street, Dublin, has not been allowed through to its destination?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given him on the 15th instant to a similar question.
§ Mr. GINNELLThe hon. Gentleman has not answered the question either then or now. The question is, Why was that done?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy recollection is that on the previous occasion I gave the hon. Gentleman that information.
§ Mr. GINNELL(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary where at present are the released Irish political prisoners, and what is the reason for preventing communication between them and their friends in London anxious to greet and comfort them, and whether he will have the obstacle to these removed immediately?
§ Sir G. CAVEI have not the slightest idea where the Irish political prisoners are. As a matter of fact, as soon as the decision of the Government was taken, instructions were given that the prisoners should be brought to London and allowed to go over to Ireland. Arrangements were made for their comfort, and they were, I believe, despatched by boat on Sunday night. Certainly, so far as I know, no steps were taken to prevent them seeing their friends.
§ Mr. FLAVINCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell the House whether a definite order has been issued, and whether it includes all the Irish political prisoners, and whether all have been released?
§ Sir G. CAVEAll the prisoners who were in Lewes at one time have been, I understand, released, following the issue of the order.
§ Mr. GINNELLCan the Home Secretary say whether all the men, from the various prisons in which they have been, have yet passed through London?
§ Sir G. CAVEI understand that is so