§ Mr. LAWSONasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the published assertion that during the raid on the offices of the "Freeman's Journal," on 29th April, several of the staff were assaulted by Auxiliaries; and what is the official account of the incident?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODMy attention has been called to this assertion and I am satisfied after inquiry that it is without solid foundation. On the evening of 29th April bombs were thrown at a motor tender containing a party of Royal Irish Constabulary which was passing along Great Brunswick Street. A detachment of Auxiliary police was immediately sent to patrol the vicinity and while so engaged they were fired upon. As the shots apparently came from the "Freeman's Journal" offices, the premises were entered and all male inmates were searched. In the course of the search an altercation arose between an Auxiliary and a civilian, and the civilian was struck, but on the matter being subsequently inquired into he admitted that he had invited such treatment and deserved it. With this exception, I am assured, that the proceedings were perfectly orderly.