HC Deb 18 November 1920 vol 134 cc2057-9
15. Mr. MOSLEY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland which manual of military training advocates the method of firing in anticipation of an ambush; whether any competent military authority has advised him that firing down hedgerows is likely to deter assailants composing an ambush who, presumably, remain under cover until they can five upon the troops at short range; whether the only protection against such ambush is a properly armoured car or, in the case of troops on horse or foot, the ordinary method of protection adopted by a cavalry patrol; and whether either of these two recognised methods of protection involve haphazard shooting in the countryside?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I cannot enter into a discussion on tactics with the hon. Member. I can only say that the police and military, after several bitter experiences, have at times adopted the method of firing into dense clumps of hedgerow at corners where am bushes are likely to be placed in the hope of either dislodging any assailants who may be lying in wait or causing them disclose themselves before they come to short range. I would willingly supply the police with armoured cars if it were possible to do so, and if such cars would perform the work required of a police lorry.

Mr. MOSLEY

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that to despatch troops or police through a hostile country in open lorries is courting disaster, and that firing in anticipation of an ambush can only have the effect of injuring innocent people and not the guilty, who are either entrenched or lying behind hedges?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I must accept the opinion of the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland in reference to this matter, and the opinion as to police protection of General Tudor, who commanded with great glory the 9th Division at the front for four years.

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

As there are some hundreds of tanks now occupying spaces on village greens throughout the country as mementoes of the great War, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it is quite possible to put those at the disposal of the police in Ireland?

Mr. J. JONES

Why not send for General Ludendorff? He would show you how to do it!

Sir H. GREENWOOD

He is no friend of mine.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Answer?