HC Deb 22 November 1920 vol 135 cc32-4
37. Mr. GALBRAITH

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the publication of extracts from No. 12 of the "Weekly Summary,"issued from Dublin Castle to police barracks in Ireland, which appear to show that the document in question directly encourages reprisals, he can now see his way to having a copy of each issue of the "Weekly Summary" laid upon the Table of the House.

59. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the Weekly Summary issued from Dublin Castle and circulated among the police throughout Ireland; whether he is aware that No. 12 of this periodical contains an extract from a proclamation by General Paine during the American Civil War announcing a policy of reprisals; and whether he will see that this incitement to reprisals on the part of the police is withdrawn and the official responsible for its insertion is "reprimanded?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)

As there appears to be some misapprehension in the minds of hon. Members in regard to the Weekly Summary, I am glad to have this opportunity of stating the exact position. This publication is produced by the heads of the police for the benefit of the members of that force who, if no such periodical existed, would have no means of knowing the truth regarding current events in Ireland. In my opinion and in that of the police authorities this paper has done great service in maintaining the moral of the police. I resent the suggestion that anything contained in it would justify a reprimand of its editor. If it is the general desire of the House I am willing to arrange for copies to be placed in the Library.

Mr. HOGGE

What service was served by the publication of an extract from a proclamation by General Paine during the American Civil War announcing a policy of reprisals, and what present use to the Constabulary to-day could be a proclamation of the date of the Civil War?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I cannot go into the merits of every paragraph in the paper. When I undertook the office of Secretary for Ireland, the police, especially those living in remote parts, were almost marooned in their barracks, and this we thought was the proper way of connecting them with the central organisation in Dublin and keeping them in touch with events in Ireland.

Mr. HOGGE

Admitting that fact, what purpose is served in that magazine, which is intended to keep those marooned constabulary in touch with present events, publishing that proclamation demanding reprisals of the date of the American Civil War?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I can only repeat I cannot go into the merits of every paragraph in this paper.

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