HC Deb 15 July 1918 vol 108 c711
72. Mr. WALTER ROCH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether instructions were given by him to the Dublin newspapers prohibiting them from publishing on 4th July any portion of the address of the Lord Mayor of Dublin and others to the President of the United States of America; and, seeing that this address was permitted to appear in the Press of the United Kingdom, will he say why this distinction was made?

Mr. SHORTT

The publication of the address of the Mansion House conference to the President of the United States was temporarily suspended by the Irish Censor on the night of the 3rd inst by my direction, in order that it might be considered. Where matter is submitted for censorship at a late hour it is impossible to guarantee precisely similar action by the censorship in both countries.

Mr. ROCH

Why is a distinction made between the Press of the two countries?

Mr. SHORTT

There was no distinction except that we in Ireland, so far as I know, may have been a little more dilatory.

Mr. ROCH

Were any instructions given to the Press in this country not to publish this report?

Mr. SHORTT

I know nothing about the censorship in this country.

Mr. KING

Is it not a fact that the Government in Ireland are much more nervous and fearsome?

Mr. SHORTT

Not a bit, Sir!