§ 57. Sir J. HARMOOD-BANNERasked the Chief Secretary whether he can give any particulars of the murder of Major Compton Smith, D.S.O., Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who left his home in mufti to meet the monthly nurse who was coming to attend on his wife, and was seized and has since disappeared; and why it has been impossible to obtain information hitherto?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODMajor Compton Smith disappeared on 16th April, and a communication was subsequently received from the rebels intimating that it was intended to murder him if certain executions at Cork were carried out on 28th April. These executions took place. Five undated and unposted letters written by Major Compton Smith, together with his silver cigarette case, have recently been captured in a raid on Sinn Fein premises in Dublin used as an office by Michael Collins. From these letters I fear that there is no doubt that this gallant officer has been foully murdered.
§ Sir J. HARMOOD-BANNERMay I ask why, after having made inquiries from the Irish Office since the resumption of the House, I have not received any information on behalf of the widow and her 1047 friends, and it was left to me, through the medium of the Press, yesterday to learn the end of this gallant officer?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI must contradict that flatly. Every possible search has been taken and every possible information received has been communicated to the family of this gallant officer. His father is now seated in my room in the House of Commons waiting to see me in the vain hope of getting some news.
§ Sir J. HARMOOD-BANNERI inquired from the Attorney-General for Ireland the moment the House resumed. I have asked almost every day if he had any information to give, and I have received no reply.