§ Sir J. BUTCHER(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary whether it is the intention of the Irish Government, under the powers vested in them by the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act, 1920, or otherwise, to arrest and to keep in confinement members of the so-called Irish Republican Army and whether he can give an assurance that the persons so confined will not be given the honourable status of prisoners of war, and that no excuse will be furnished for justifying murder and acts of war.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODYes, sir. It is intended to intern those persons who the authorities have reason to believe are prominently connected with rebel organisations. While interned they will be accorded treatment similar to that normally given to prisoners of war. This fact does not, however, in any way imply the recognition of these men as prisoners of war or the grant to them of that status.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill the right hon. Baronet be careful that no questions shall arise at the Court-Martial as to whether these men are to be looked upon as belligerents rather than as murderers?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have answered that.