THE IRISH REBELLION COMMISSION.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 121, 23 May 1916, Page 5

THE IRISH REBELLION COMMISSION.

LORD MIDLETON GIVES ASTONISH! NG EVIDENCE. LORD WIMBORNE CLAIMS TO HAVE HAD NO AUTHORITY. (Reed. 10.50 a.m.). ; LONDQN, May 22. The Irish Rebellion Commission has resumed its sitting. Lord Hardinge read a letter from General Mac-ready stating that Mr. Birrell, Lord Wimborne and others held a conference at the War Office on the 20th March, purely in regard to recruiting in Ireland. A proposal was made to send troops to be quartered outside Dublin, for the sole purpose cf stimulating recruiting. Mr Birrell afterwards saw General French, and far as the War Office is aware the question of sending troops to overawe Sinn Feiners never arose. Some time previously General Friend wrote, intimating the possibility of trouble in the south of Ireland that might require extra troops. The War Office arranged to have a reserve brigade ready to send over if cabled for.

Replying to Lord Hardinge Mr. Birrell said his recollection was, at all interviews he pointed out it was most desirable to let the people of Dublin see trcops in the streets.

Lord Midleton stated that he interviewed Mr. Birrell and strongly urged the disarmament of the national volunteers. Mr. Birrell replied, "1 laugh at the whole thing, Mr. Redmond and Mr. Dillon are against taking any notice of the seditious utterances." Midleton remonstrated with Mr. Birrell on such a dangerous course. Middleton said, in January he interviewed Mr. Asquith, who asked him to submit a memorandum, which he handed to this committee. Birrell at the end of February sent witness a confidential letter, which he now asked to be permitted to read. Birrell wrote:—The loyalty of Ireland is a plant of slow growth; he was not surprised at the signs of disloyalty. Whereat Middleton said h e was annoyed, and demanded strong measures. When headstrong priests and crackbrained people make speeches, which, if made in England, would not bring the speakers within the terror of the law, but within the range of the mob. Birrell added, we cannot reply on Irish juries. Proclamation would be an irregularity and Irish volunteers would be made reckless and foolish. I am more alarmed at the possibility of bombs. Middleton said he later interviewed Mr. Nathan, who said the Executive was largely guided by Mr. Dillon's and Mr. Redmond's adivce. Witness protested 'against /responsibility being placed on those gentlemen. Mr. Redmond could hardly carry a single seat in Munster; also his life was endangered. Nathan replied the Government saw the difficulties, but were taking prominent steps; they had to deal with dangerous men. Six days before th e outbreak Lord Middleton gave Lord Wimborne the gravest warning.

Justice Shearman said it must have occurred to you, that if you carry out the disarmament of the volunteers, it will suggest the retort to disarm the Ulstermen. Middleton replied, that might have been said in the case of Redmond's volunteers, but hardly the case with the Sinn Feiners. I am much surprised if Ulster volunteers and Redmond's are not Avilling to pile arms under efficient jurisdiction durign the war. Lord Wimborne testified that his position and powers were entirely usurped by the Chief Secretary and Under Secretary. He had no executive machinery wherewith to take action independently of his colleagues, nor any mean s of asserting his views when they conflicted with those of nominal subordinates. After repeated 1 representations he obtained partial insight into the administration and received daily reports for information, but not with a view to inviting his opinion.