§ 11. Mr. RONALD ROSSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the present strength of the so-called Irish Republican Army in the Irish Free State; and whether its numbers are being taken into account with regard to Article 8 of the Treaty?
Mr. M. MacDONALDMy right hon. Friend has no official information regarding the strength of the so-called Irish Republican Army. As regards the second part of my hon. Friend's question, he is naturally anxious to take all proper steps to secure the due observance of Article 8 (as of all the other Articles of the Treaty of 1921) but I would observe that Article 8 refers to a military defence force established and maintained by the Government of the Irish Free State.
§ Mr. ROSSIn view of the sympathetic attitude of the Irish Free State Government to this organisation, must it not be taken into account as being part of the armed forces at the disposal of the Irish Free State?
Mr. MacDONALDArticle 8 refers to military defence forces established and maintained by the Government of the Irish Free State.
§ Mr. HEALYIs it not the case that a far larger army is being maintained in the North of Ireland, and paid out of the Imperial contribution?