§ 14. Colonel ASHLEYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why no steps were taken last week to haul down the Republican Flag hoisted on Wednesday 7th July, on the Admiralty Pier, Queenstown, by order of the Harbour Commissioners; and were any orders issued to the police on patrol duty at that spot not to interfere with this disloyal emblem?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am informed the flag referred to was hoisted on the Admiralty Pier, which is the property of the Cork Harbour Board, on the 8th instant, and was taken down a few hours afterwards. As far as is known, no such order as indicated in the question was issued to the police.
§ Colonel ASHLEYCould the right hon. Gentleman say who took it down?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am informed that this flag was put up by certain gentlemen, who are not, at any rate, likely to put up the Union Jack, and was pulled down by them shortly afterwards, for fear it would be taken down by force by those who objected to having the flag up.
§ Colonel ASHLEYAre we to understand from that that the right hon. Gentleman has issued, or will issue, orders to the police in Ireland at once to haul down the Republican flag where-ever and whenever they see it?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThat power is now within the discretion both of the military and the police.