§ 5. Major GLYNasked the Chief Secretary how many officers and other ranks of the Army and of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Auxiliary Police Forces, separately, have been killed, and wounded whilst in the execution of their duty and when off duty during the months of December and January; whether, in cases where parties of troops or police have been attacked by armed civilians, there has been sufficient evidence obtained from prisoners captured to lead to the publication of the names of the majority of Irish civilians taking part in the attack; and whether the total number of Irish civilians killed in actual open fighting with the force's of the Crown exceeds the number found killed, giving the respective figures in both cases for the same period?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe casualties among the forces of the Crown during 239 the months of December, 1920, and January, 1921, were as follow:
I do not think it desirable in the public interest to answer the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question. In regard to the third part, it is not possible to make the comparison suggested, in view of the fact that the casualties sustained by the rebels are carefully concealed as far as possible.
- Military.—Three men killed, and 3 officers and 33 men wounded.
- Royal Irish Constabulary (Regular Force).—Five officers and 30 men killed, and 3 officers and 65 men wounded.
- Royal Irish Constabulary (Auxiliary Division).—One man killed, and 23 men wounded.
- Special Constabulary.—One man killed and 2 men wounded.
§ Major GLYNIs the Chief Secretary aware that the opinion amongst the troops is that, where the evidence is known as to who are attacking in the ambushes, no harm could result by publishing the names?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI will communicate the hon. and gallant Gentleman's supplementary question to the Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in Ireland. I cannot express the opinion of the Army except through the general officer commanding.
§ 12. Mr. MOSLEYasked the Chief Secretary how many members of the forces of the Crown in Ireland have been assassinated since 22nd December last; and whether he has yet been successful in securing the arrest, conviction, and execution of more than one of the perpetrators of these crimes?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe number of members of the Crown Forces who have been assassinated in Ireland since the 22nd December, 1920, is 56. Many persons have been arrested in connection with these crimes, and will be tried in due course.
§ Mr. MOSLEYIs it a fact that, so far, only one assassin has been convicted and executed?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThat is so.
§ Mr. MOSLEYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that the time has come 240 when he should tender his resignation, in view of the large number of these crimes?