§ Colonel M'CALMONTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to withhold the privilege of immediate discharge from the Army or exemption from service under the Military Service Act from men who, although concerned in the Irish rebellion, were fortunate enough to escape imprisonment or internment?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIt is considered that there is a distinction between men concerned in the Irish rebellion who have suffered imprisonment or internment for participation in the rebellion and those men who have not been so dealt with. The case of the future enlistment under the provisions of the Military Service Acts of any man who has been concerned in the Irish rebellion but who has not been imprisoned or interned, will be specially considered and decided by the War Office, if particulars of the case are sent to that Department.
§ Colonel M'CALMONTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether men who were imprisoned or interned in consequence of having been concerned in the Irish rebellion are to be permitted to reside in Great Britain while exempt from the provisions of the Military Service Act?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONSo far as I can see, no permission is necessary, but my hon. and gallant Friend might address a question to the Home Office.
§ Colonel M'CALMONTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can state the Regulation under which men now serving in the Army who were imprisoned or interned in consequence of having been concerned in the Irish rebellion are to be discharged from the Service; under what conditions will discharges be granted; whether men so discharged will be entitled to the same privileges as other ex-soldiers; and whether they will be permitted to resume residence in Great Britain in defiance of the Military Service Act, or be sent back to Ireland, or be interned as alien enemies?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe decision to discharge from the Army men who were imprisoned or interned in consequence of998W having been concerned in the Irish rebellion, if they are unwilling to serve and did not join the Army voluntarily, is not based upon any particular regulation, but was a decision on general policy. There are obvious objections to the association with loyal soldiers of men who have actually suffered imprisonment or internment as rebels against the Crown. Such men will be discharged (unless, of course, they now regret their disloyalty and expressly wish to remain), because their services are no longer required and they will be entitled to the same privileges as other ex-soldiers. It is not proposed at present to apply the provisions of the Military Service Acts to such men or to intern them as alien enemies.