HC Deb 18 April 1921 vol 140 cc1517-8
28. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the great increase in the number of members of the Crown forces killed in Ireland, namely, from 29 in the quarter ended 30th June, 1920, to 65 in the quarter ended 30th September, 1920, 107 in the quarter ended 31st December, 1920, and 132 in the quarter ended 31st March, 1921, he will reconsider the policy which is causing such great loss of life among the forces of the Crown?

The PRIME MINISTER

If by change of policy the Noble Lord means the acceptance of proposals which would impair the security and destroy the unity of this kingdom, a country which has recently made such sacrifices for what it conceived to be right will not be dismayed by the infinitely smaller sacrifices enumerated by the Noble Lord into making so disastrous a surrender.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is that the last word?

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Is not much of this trouble due to questions asked in this House at the instigation of the murder gang?

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Is not a great deal of this trouble due to a policy which is futile, mistaken, and mischievous?

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