§ 17. Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a leading article in the "Weekly Summary," issued to the Royal Irish Constabulary and its auxiliaries, contained the statement that Sinn Fein always was, and still is, a movement based on a murder policy, the aim of which is the apotheosis of assassins; Shinnerea is a blight and a pestilence, and Shinnerea is crime incarnate, and for its propagators the rope and the bullet are all too good; and if he is considering taking action against the editor and publisher and owner of the paper in view of this direct incitement to murder?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have read the article in question, and do not agree that it is an incitement to murder.
§ Mr. MACLEANDoes the right hon. Gentleman not consider that any suggestion that the propagation of the particular doctrine that the rope and the bullet are too good is a suggestion that those individuals who propagate any such doctrine should either be hanged or shot? Is not that a direct incitement to murder, for which, in loss words, an hon. Member of this House has been sent to prison for three months?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODMy interpretation is not that of the hon. Member.
§ Mr. DEVLINCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is inviting any explanation of the declaration made in the "Weekly Summary" that all those who are opposed to the Government were supporters of murder?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI dealt with that in a previous statement. It is not my interpretation of the article.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes the right hon. Gentleman approve of the sentiments expressed in the "Weekly Summary," that the rope and the bullet are too good for what, with his usual delicacy, he calls Shinnerea?
§ Mr. DEVLINWill the right hon. Gentleman not stop this publication, which is a disgrace? He can get the "Morning Post" to publish all he has to say
§ Mr. MACLEANDoes the right hon. Gentleman endorse the statement that the rope and the bullet are too good? Is 1112 that the manner in which he is going to deal with all his political opponents?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODNo, but some of my political opponents would deal with me in that way. I can assure the hon. Member that that is not my view of the point.
§ 58. Major MACKENZIE WOODasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the current number of the "Weekly Summary," issued by him, states that the opponents of the Government stand for the right to murder; and whether this represents the views of His Majesty's Government?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI do not accept the interpretation of the article in question suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, and his interpretation certainly does not represent the views of the Government.