HC Deb 28 June 1920 vol 131 cc30-1
Sir H. CRAIK (by Private Notice)

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he has any information to give the House in regard to the kidnapping by Sinn Feiners in Ireland of Brigadier-General Lucas?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON (Parliamentary Secretary, War Office)

Brigadier-General Lucas and Colonels Danford and Tyrell were arrested at Kilbarry, five miles from Fermoy, where they had been fishing, at 11 p.m. on the 26th instant by twelve armed and masked men, who had a motor-car bearing no number. At a place called Rathcomrack Colonel Danford tried to escape. A man in one of the cars fired two revolver shots, wounding him in the head and arms. He was left there with Colonel Tyrell, and the General taken away in the motor car towards Cork. He has not since been found. The two Colonels have returned to Fermoy. The officers were unarmed. A telegram received to-day at one o'clock says, "No news of General Lucas."

Lord R. CECIL

Is there any news as to the condition of the wounded Colonel?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

I am not able to answer that question.

Mr. C. PALMER

May I ask why the right hon Gentleman used the words "General arrested" instead of "General kidnapped"? Do you "arrest" a man without authority?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

That is the word use in the Press and elsewhere. I suppose the telegraphist thought it was most convenient. [HON. MEMBERS: "The wrong word!"]

Mr. PALMER

Can Sinn Feiners "arrest" British officers?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

It is the wrong word to me—

Mr. PALMER

Thank you!

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

"Kidnapped" is the proper word.

Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information—

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Asquith! [See Col. 44.]