§ Mr. T. P. O'CONNORasked the Chief Secretary whether the attention of the Government has been called to the Report of the American Commission on conditions in Ireland; whether the membership of this Commission consists of many senators, governors of States, mayors, bishops, and ministers of several religious communities; whether this Commission has reported that the British forces in Ireland have indiscriminately killed innocent men, women, and children, and have indiscriminately assassinated persons suspected of being Republicans, and tortured and shot prisoners while in custody, as well as being guilty of a series of house burnings and other wanton destruction in Ireland; and whether the Government 466W have made any representations to the American Government in reply to this serious indictment?
§ Mr. HENRYNo copy of this Report has yet been received by the Government, but I understand that it contains allegations of the nature indicated in the question. The Report is entitled to no more weight than should be given to any judgment based entirely uponex parte statements put forward by persons admittedly holding extreme views. I need hardly say that the Commission has no official character, and therefore affords no occasion for representation from His Majesty's Government.