§ Mr. DEVLIN(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of the Reverend Michael Griffin, C.C., of Galway, who was taken from his house by a party of men on Sunday night last, since when no word has been heard of him, nor can anyone tell what has become of him; whether the attention of the right hon. Gentleman has been called to the statement in the Press by the Bishops and leading clergymen of Galway, charging the Government with responsibility for this outrage on a minister of religion, whereby he is secretly forced from his house in the middle of the night and, 2258 without warrant or charge, or any proof of wrong-doing, deprived of his liberty; and whether he is in a position to make any statement on this matte?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)I only received the hon. Member's question last night and I wired to Ireland myself. I shall read the exact telegram I have received in reply.
The following is full text of report, dated 16th instant, which I have received from the District Inspector, Galway, concerning the Reverend Michael Griffin:'I beg to report that the Reverend Michael Griffin, C.C., 35 years, St. Joseph's Church, residing at Lower Salthill, Galway, left his residence at 12 midnight Sunday night, 14th instant, apparently to attend a sick call. He has not since returned and it is now believed that he has been kidnapped by some persons unknown. Reverend Father O'Meehan and a housekeeper were in the house at the time, and the former did not hear anything, but the housekeeper heard Father Griffin speak through the top window, saying, "Alright, I am coming down in a few minutes." The presumption is that the person addressed came on a sick call. Reverend Father Davis, P.P., reported the matter to the police on Monday. On further inquiry it was decided to await further developments, but as the Reverend Gentleman has not returned to-day, the worst fears are now entertained that he has been kidnapped. Father Griffin was an extreme Sinn Feiner, and he and P. W. Joyce, National Teacher, kidnapped on the 15th ultimo, were rival protagonists. Joyce had a number of friends who are determined to avenge his taking. Again, the Reverend Father Griffin appears to have delivered strong language in Barna Chapel on 14th instant, when he told his congregation that some among them were as bad as the "Black and Tans." Reverend Father Davis states that it is the firm belief of the general public that the kidnapping was done by the armed forces of the Crown. Inquiries are proceeding. There are no clues so far.'I have read the hon. Member all the information I have on the subject, and if he will ask me a question on Monday I will give him any further information that I have with regard to this case.
§ Mr. DEVLINObviously from the right hon. Gentleman's answer it is clear that it was the officers of the Crown who have kidnapped this clergyman. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] Therefore, I want to know what steps the right hon. Gentleman is taking to have this clergyman released from the hands of these officers.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI must say that I do not believe for a moment that this 2259 priest has [...]en kidnapped by any of the forces of the Crown. It is obviously a stupid thing that no forces of the Crown would do.
§ Mr. DEVLINThat is just what they would do.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe forces of the Crown in that area are all doing their best to find the whereabouts of Father Griffin. I regret things of this kind more than anybody, and I should like this matter cleared up as soon as possible.