§ 47. Captain FOXCROFTasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the statement recently published in the Press, from a New York correspondent, to the effect that Mr. de Valera, the so-called president of the Irish Pepublic, expressly approves of the wholesale murder of British officers and, at the same time, asks the American public to demonstrate its horror at the massacre of Irish civilians by English soldiers; and whether, in the interests of Anglo-American friendship, he will request the Government of the United States of America to take official notice of Mr. de Valera's anti-British activities?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second, that the matter is under consideration.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not a fact that the American citizens themselves on their own soil are showing their disapprobation very strongly of this man?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWUndoubtedly there is a very severe campaign being carried on in America against this country, but so far we have found that we can trust American opinion.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the time has not arrived to make a serious representation to America that any further toleration of the activities of this man and the conferring upon him of municipal honours is an unfriendly act?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think there is no doubt that from the diplomatic point of view we would have a right to take the course suggested by my hon. Friend, but it is not a question of a right; it is a question of what is expedient.