78. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the report of the speech recently made by Mr. Michael Collins in Dublin, in which he stated that it had not been possible to beat out the British by force, so the republican ideal had been temporarily surrendered, but that when the British had been driven out by the Treaty the republican ideal would be restored; if any steps have been taken to ascertain whether this report is substantially accurate; and whether it is the intention of the Government, at whatever cost, to prevent the establishment of a republic in Ireland?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy attention has not been specially called to this statement, nor do I propose to make the inquiry suggested. As was stated by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House in reply to a question by the hon. and learned Member for Dublin University on 16th February last, His Majesty's Government are not prepared to interpret statements made in the course of controversial debate on the other side of the water on the subject of the Treaty. They take their stand on the Treaty and will proceed in full reliance on the determination of their Irish co-signatories to do the same. In reply to the third part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question addressed to me by the hon. and gallant Member for Epping on the 6th instant.
Sir F. HALLDoes the Government consider it of such little moment that a man of Mr. Collins' standing should make 28 such remarks as that he still intends to set up a Republic?
§ Mr. SPEAKER rose—
§ 63. Mr. SPEAKER called upon Mr. Rendall to put Question No.See col. 39.)