§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister if he will define the plenary powers with which General Maxwell is invested in Ireland; and whether before Debate on this subject the House will be furnished with copies of all the orders issued by General Maxwell in Ireland, and with a full list of the unarmed civilians killed after the rebels had surrendered?
§ The PRIME MINISTERsubmitted the following letter addressed by Sir Reginald 675W H. Brade, the Secretary of the War Office, to Viscount French, Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, Home Forces:—
79/Irish/195 (A. G. 3).
28th April, 1916.
Sir,
I am commanded by the Army Council to inform you that Lieutenant-General Sir J. Maxwell, K.C.B., has been appointed General Officer Commanding the Forces in Ireland, from 27th April, inclusive.
His Majesty's Government desire that, in this capacity, Sir J. Maxwell will take all such measures as may in his opinion be necessary for the prompt suppression of insurrection in Ireland, and be accorded a free hand in regard to the movement of all troops now in Ireland or which may be placed under his command hereafter and also in regard to such measure as may seem to him advisable under the Proclamation, dated 26th April, 1916, issued under the Defence of the Realm (Amendment) Act, 1915.
In regard to the question of administration, as also Military or Martial Law. Sir J. Maxwell will correspond direct with the War Office, under the same system that obtains in peace time.
In the event of Sir J. Maxwell applying to you for further reinforcements I am to request that you will be good enough to inform the Army Council of the nature of the demand and your proposed action in the matter.
I am also to request that the above instructions may be at once communicated to Sir J. Maxwell.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) R. H. BRADE.
The Field-Marshal
Commanding-in-Chief,
Home Forces,
Horse Guards. S.W.