23. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, arising out of the decision of the Irish Executive to give greater publicity to the aims and methods of the Sinn Fein organisation in Ireland, he will give instructions that special attention shall be directed to the close association between that organisation and the Russian Bolshevists; and if in that connection steps can be taken to bring home to the Irish people some of the more notorious results of Bolshevism such as the destruction of religious life, the degradation of women, and the wholesale massacre and enslavement of the workers?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Denis Henry)The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that every effort will be made to persuade the Irish people that the policy of revolutionary violence which is being pursued by the Sinn Fein organisation is attended with grave dangers to the economic and social well-being of their country.
§ Mr. HENRYIt would be very difficult in the scope of an answer to a question to deal with that matter.
§ Mr. T. P. O'CONNORHas the right hon. Gentleman the smallest ground for believing in this extraordinary claim—that there is any connection between any movement in Ireland and Bolshevism?
Sir F. HALLIs it not a fact that it has been proved that these people have direct connection one with another?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIf the connection is so close between Sinn Feiners and the Germans, how can it also be so close between Sinn Feiners and Bolsheviks? Cannot you make up your minds which to choose?