§ 8. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has now received the evidence of the court of inquiry into the deaths of Frank O'Dwyer and Edward O'Dwyer, sons of William O'Dwyer, farmer, of Ballydavid, near Bansha, stated to have been shot by men in uniform on the night of 18th October last; whether he has read the minutes of evidence; what was the composition of the court; what witnesses were called; whether the court sat in secret; whether 1340 any motor lorries were taken out by the police or military in that part of Ireland on the night in question; and whether he has any information showing who murdered these young men?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have read the minutes of evidence given before the court of inquiry in this case. The court was composed of three military officers, two of the rank of major and one captain. The proceedings were held in secret solely out of consideration for the personal safety of the witnesses, and for the same reason I am unable to give the names of the witnesses. The finding of the court was that the deceased were murdered by some person or persons unknown, and the court recorded their opinion that the murders were not committed by any person or persons belonging to the armed forces of the Crown. The evidence conclusively proved that no police or military motor lorries were in the vicinity on the night of the murder. I have no information as to who were the actual perpetrators of the crime, but I agree with the further opinion expressed by the court that the circumstances in which the murders were committed, which were of a cowardly, inhuman, and utterly despicable nature, show a close similitude with the methods adopted in the murders carried out by the Sinn Fein organisation.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask whether the aged mother and the sister of these unfortunate men were called as witnesses, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they solemnly declare that these men were shot by uniformed members of the armed forces? Is he further aware that two other brothers of the O'Dwyer family fought in the American Army in France? Is this incident going to help good relations between this country and America?
§ Mr. MacVEAGHDoes the Chief Secretary propose now to publish the evidence?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI must protect witnesses who came forward at the risk of their lives in many parts of Ireland, as things exist to-day, in giving evidence to help the Government.
§ Mr. T. P. O'CONNORDo the mother and the sister of these two boys, who gave evidence to show that this murder was committed by men in uniform, want protection for their evidence?
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTIs it not a fact that it is the custom amongst assassins to dress in uniform?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the eye-witnesses of this crime were the mother and sister, and is their evidence totally swept away by the statement of an interested party?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI can assure the hon. and gallant Member and the House that I have given the best answer I can supply.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThey were called?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODYes, they were called; certainly, the sister was called, although she refused to be sworn.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWill the right hon. Gentleman publish the evidence of witnesses who do not claim protection or privilege? You will not, because you are afraid of it.