HC Deb 06 May 1920 vol 128 cc2215-6
48. Mr. BOTTOMLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that appeals for subscriptions for bond certificates addressed to Eamon de Valera, President of the Republic of Ireland, are still appearing in American newspapers supported by governors of various States; and whether His Majesty's Government proposes to make any representation upon the matter to the President of the United States?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is understood that appeals for subscriptions for bond certificates addressed to Eamon de Valera are still appearing in certain United States newspapers, but I am not in a position to say whether or not these appeals are supported by the governors of various States. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the announcement that already £2,000,000 have been subscribed to this fund and the accounts of triumphal processions going through the principal streets of the States in celebration of the event, and that de Valera has been entertained by State governors, and may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman does not consider that in international law that does amount to an unfriendly act, and will he give instructions on the subject to our new Ambassador?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have not seen any statement of the specific facts named, but that does not alter my view as to our right course, or that it is not always wise to take that action to which you may have a legal right.

Captain BENN

Will the right hon. Gentleman take all necessary steps to destroy the pernicious campaign which tends to destroy our friendly relations with the United States?

Mr. CHADWICK

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the outlaw referred to in the question was honoured recently with the freedom of the City of New Orleans, and have any representations been made to the United States Government in face of this deliberate insult by an ostensibly friendly Power?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think I can add anything to my reply. I am quite satisfied that the good feeling in the United States is not at all represented by such demonstrations, and I do not believe that any action I could take against them would have any other effect than to make the relations worse.