§ 55. Mr. RONALD McNEILLasked the Lord Privy Seal whether certain persons of American nationality have been given passports from Paris to Ireland for the purpose of an unofficial political mission; whether he is aware that they have declared the object of this mission to be to confer with President de Valera upon the question of securing international recognition of the Irish Republic at the Peace Conference; whether this was known to be their object by the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the passports were issued; whether these men are accredited by the American Government; if not, what are their cre- 1582 dentials and whom do they represent; whether it is the intention of the Prime Minister to receve these American gentlemen on their return to Paris; and, if so, whether he has considered the effect likely to be produced in Ireland by his encouragement of foreign interference in British affairs and by his patronage of revolutionary propagandists?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe object of this visit, as it was understood by the Prime Minister, was simply to enable these visitors to see for themselves the conditions in Ireland. The persons referred to are not representatives of the American Government, and it is not the intention of the Prime Minister to receive them.
§ Mr. McNEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is very widely reported and believed in Ireland that the Prime Minister favours the granting the demand for an Irish Republic, and, if there is no truth in it, why has that report remained uncontradicted?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, I was not aware of that. If there is such a belief, it is an indication that all Irishmen are not of a, practical nature. As regards denying, it would be absurd to deny it, for, on the face of it, it is impossible.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs it a fact that the Prime Minister himself requested these gentlemen to call on him and himself issued their passports?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think the first part of the question is not correct. As regards the Prime Minister seeing them, I discussed this with him, and I am glad to have an opportunity of saying he thought it would be rather an advantage if American citizens interested in Ireland should be received by him, when he would have an opportunity of putting the British case and having it widely reported in America, where, I am sorry to say, it is not sufficiently understood.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWhy, having issued that invitation, has he now withdrawn it?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think the reason must be very obvious. He was willing to receive American citizens, but he is not willing to receive American citizens who go to Ireland and not only take part in politics, but in a rebellious movement.