Mr. O'CONNOR(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a Military Order has been served on the proprietors of the "Freeman's Journal" and "Evening Telegraph," two Dublin daily journals, prohibiting the circulation of these papers in martial law areas; whether he can state the grounds for this Order; and whether he will take steps to have the Order rescinded?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the Military Governor of the martial law area has prohibited the sale and distribution of the "Freeman's Journal" and the "Evening Telegraph" within the military law area between the 2nd and 9th June, both dates inclusive. In the Proclamation of the Military Governor it was 1224 distinctly stated that this action has been taken owing to false statements concerning the military having been published in the "Freeman's Journal" of the 30th May. These false statements can have no other purpose than to encourage the rebels and to throw odium on the forces of the Crown. The action of the Military Governor had the approval of the Commander-in-Chief before it was taken.
Mr. O'CONNORHas the right hon. Gentleman himself read the article, which I understand is held by the military authorities as the basis for this action—an article headed "Regular War Features" in the issue of 30th May; are the only statements in this article that the military have compelled the farmers in certain districts to fell the trees on their land and have occasionally commandeered their carts; and can any such statements in any way embarrass the military authorities in the discharge of their duties?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have not read the specific statement, but I have consulted with the Commander-in-Chief regarding the general rules governing the public Press in the martial law area, and he has my support in the action taken.