§ 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 31 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. CECILIs there any news as to the condition of the wounded Colonel?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am not able to answer that question.
Mr. C. PALMERMay 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. WILLIAMSONThat is the word use in the Press and elsewhere. I suppose the telegraphist thought it was most convenient. [HON. MEMBERS: "The wrong word!"]
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONIt is the wrong word to me—
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSON"Kidnapped" is the proper word.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTHas the right hon. Gentleman any information—
§ Mr. SPEAKERMr. Asquith! [See Col. 44.]