§ 28. Mr. ARMSTRONGasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any information as to the fate of George Dawson, a B special constable, who, while acting as temporary fireman, was taken off a Great Northern Railway engine at Monaghan on the 17th June last by men belonging to the Irish Republican Army and conveyed to an unknown destination; whether he is aware that when the train from Armagh to Castleblaney reached Creighan Row, in the Free State, on Monday last another fireman, named Thomas Baxter, was similarly kidnapped: and that, in con- 1210 sequence, trains on this line cannot cross the border; and whether he will urge the Provisional Government to procure the immediate release of these men?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Churchill)I am at present in communication with the Provisional Government with regard to these and other cases of kidnapping in the border counties and am assured that every effort is being made to trace and secure the immediate release of all persons held in illegal custody.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman still holding the Pettigo prisoners as hostages for the safe release of these various men who have been kidnapped by the Free State?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have never admitted that they were being held as hostages. They are being held.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf they are not being held as hostages, why is the right hon. Gentleman keeping them?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am keeping them because I hope that their release will synchronise with the release of other persons.
§ Sir W. DAVISONHave any of the Ulster specials who were kidnapped at Belcoo been released yet?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think that some of the Belcoo people have been released.
§ Sir W. DAVISONNot the specials?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo. There are 18 or 19 cases about which I am inquiring.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESHas any time limit been fixed for the definite cessation of these outrages, because so far we have had nothing but inquiries being made from the Provisional Government and nothing has been done?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not think that my hon. and gallant Friend should say That "nothing has been done." As far as I am informed the Irish national troops are taking one town after another, and chasing away the irregulars, and endeavouring to re-establish order.