§ 58. Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Prime Minister whether he has any official information in regard to a manifesto issued in Washington by an organisation known as the Philippines Commission of Independence, in which it is maintained that American belief in the principle of self-determination would be demonstrated more impressively by conceding the repeated demand made for independence by 10½ million inhabitants of the Philippines than by passing resolutions in the Senate expressing sympathy with the cause of Irish independence; and whether, as a mark of respect for the American Senate, he will enable this House to follow the precedent set by that Assembly, by moving a Resolution in support of the Philippine demand for self-determination?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have no information with regard to the manifesto in question, and the matter does not seem to be one with which His Majesty's Government is concerned.
§ Mr. McNEILLIf the Government is not concerned, will the Leader of the House give facilities for discussion if a group of Irish Members put down a resolution of sympathy with the Philippines?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs the Government is not concerned, I do not think that it is the duty of the Government to take any steps of the kind suggested.
§ Mr. DEVLINAs the House is primarily interested in its own affairs, would it not be well if the group of Irish Members put down a motion in favour of self-determination for Ireland?
§ Sir E. CARSONIs it not better for each country to leave the other country alone?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI thought that that was my answer.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYLeave Ireland alone.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODLeave Montenegro alone.
§ Mr. DEVLINDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree with the suggestion of the right hon. Member for Duncairn (Sir E. Carson) that you should let Ireland alone?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not accept the suggestion that Ireland is a foreign country, and I would be very thankful if Ireland were to leave us alone.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIt is a hostile country, thanks to you.
§ Captain LOSEBYDo not be offensive.