§ Mr. GRANTasked the Prime Minister if any of the troops recently moved into Ulster have been ordered to return to their original stations; and, if so, will he state if this withdrawal of troops indicates a change in the Government's plans, or does it result from any alteration of the situation in Ulster?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNone of the troops have been ordered to move, but some small details will probably move shortly for the convenience of annual training and to adjust barrack accommodation arrangements.
§ Mr. AMERYasked the Prime Minister whether any telegram or letter relative to the War Office instructions of 14th March was received at the War Office from Sir A. Paget before his letter of 17th March; and if he will publish such letter or telegram?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir. Sir Arthur Paget telegraphed on 17th March:—
Under the present circumstances I am not moving troops North for the protection of the four places referred to in paragraph 3 of War Office letter. A sufficient number, however, are in readiness to move at short notice. Am dispatching letter in explanation to-day.
§ Mr. AMERYasked the Prime Minister what orders were sent from the War Office, either by Sir A. Paget or by the Secretary of State for War or the Chief of the General Staff, to the military authorities 337W at the Curragh, Belfast, Mullingar, and other stations in Ireland on 19th March; and if he will publish those orders?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe following telegrams were sent:—
"Sir A. Paget to General Friend,
19th March, 1914, 5.30 p.m.
Depot Victoria Barracks is not to move, but it is at discretion of Officer Commanding district to send recruits to their battalions if internal dissension is feared.
A guard of not more than fifty men, under selected officers, must remain to hold the barracks."
"Sir A. Paget to General Friend,
19th March, 1914, 10 p.m.
If there is difficulty about sending battalion by train to Dundalk, it must be at Kingstown by 4 p.m. to proceed by sea. Horses will not be carried."
§ Mr. AMERYasked the Prime Minister whether it is now proposed to move the Dorset Regiment back from Holywood to Belfast; and, if so, when?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.
§ Mr. AMERYasked the Prime Minister whether it is now proposed to move the Duke of Cornwall's Regiment back from Newry and Dundalk to the Curragh; and, if so, when?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.