HC Deb 10 November 1921 vol 148 cc576-8
12. Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER - SHEE

asked the Chief Secretary whether the police barracks at Kesh, County Fermanagh, were raided on the evening of 4th November by a number of armed men; whether they took away rifles bombs, and ammunition; and whether h[...] has made inquiries into the matter, and if so, with what result?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. Immediately news of the raid was received at county headquarters, the police turned out in force and searched the district. The result of this search and of subsequent inquiries supports the conclusion that the perpetrators of the raid came from a distance. The perpetrators have not yet been identified, nor have any of the missing arms been recovered. Inquiries are being pursued.

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

Were representations made to the liaison officer of the Sinn Feiners?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

Immediately this occurred.

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

With no results?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

With this result that the Sinn Fein liaison officer is doing his best to assist the Crown to find the perpetrators of this outrage.

Captain Viscount CURZON

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us how he knows that the Sinn Fein officer is doing his best?

Rear-Admiral Sir R. HALL

If the Sinn Fein liaison officer is fit for his work, surely he should be able to name the people who perpetrated the outrage, because he is nominated by the I.R.A., under which these men work.

Sir H. GREENWOOD

Some doubt exists as to who did perpetrate this outrage on the police barracks at Kesh. The Sinn Fein officials have given assistance to the Crown in endeavouring to find the robbers of the barracks and of these arms.

Sir R. HALL

In saying that some doubt exists, is it wished to convey the impression that this was done by officers of the Crown?

20. Mr. MARRIOTT

asked the Chief Secretary whether military hutments in Tipperary were raided on the evening of 4th November; whether one or more Lewis guns, a number of service rifles, and a box of bombs and ammunition were removed; and whether the Government are taking any, and, if so, what measures with regard to the matter?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

I have been asked to reply to this question. This theft has been reported, and a military inquiry is pending.