§ 56. Mr. BYRNEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a referendum is at present being taken in Ireland for the purpose of ascertaining the views of the Irish people as to the future government of that; country, and with a view to having these views represented at the Peace Conference; and whether Civil servants are free to record their opinions on the questions involved through this referendum?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. Duke)I understand that a memorial is being circulated of which the text is in these words:
We appeal to the Peace Congress to secure the establishment of Ireland as an independent State.It is obvious that such a document could not be signed by any loyal servant of the Crown