THE ESMONDE CASE

Taranaki Daily News, 24 January 1921, Page 7

THE ESMONDE CASE

AN UNWELCOME VISITOR. SOME FURTHER DETAILS. Mr. Osmond Tliomas Grattan Esmoude, who was a passenger by the R.M.S. Makura, which arrived at Sydney from .Vancouver last week, was still detained, on the vessel when the last mail left Sydney, having been refused permission to land by the Customs authorities. The reason for his detention has not yet been publicly stated, but it is understood, says the Sydney Morning Herald, that the Customs authorities believe that he is visiting Australia on a diplomatic mission associated with the Republican movement. in Ireland. Mr. Esmonde, who is a young man of rather distinctive appearance stated that he is a son of Sir Thomas Henry Grattan Esmonde, who is the eleventh baronet of the line. Sir Thomas was Independent member for North Wexford in the House of Commons from 1900 to 1918. In 1898 the father was appointed chamberlain to the Vatican household, and is a grand officer of the Holy Sepulchre, and representative of the order for Ireland. Mr. Osmond T. G. Esmonde is heir to the title. His brother was killed at the Battle of Jutland. When seen on the Makura Mr. Esmonde was found to be accepting his detention with calm resignation. He was discovered in the saloon diningroom, having been a first-class passenger during the voyage. In a quiet and dignified manner he answered the various questions put to him by the interviewer. There was ‘certainly nothing of the revolutionary in his appearanace or manner.

KOT- ON A DIPLOMATIC MISSION. “I am not on a diplomatic mission at all,” he said when questioned regarding his detention. “It has been reported to me that one or two passengers accused me of insulting the King. The Customs officials accused me of being an official representative of the Irish Republic. That accusation was made when the boat arrived at Watson’s Bay. I have neither affirmed nor denied it. They want me to sign a document. If I sign it I will be deported, and if I don’t sign it I won’t be allowed to land. This is the position as I understand it, and I am waiting for official confirmation as to whether this is their attitude or not. “I am taking legal proceedings, so I do not wish to say too much without ccrsuiting my solicitor. I think I may inform you, however, that I am here in connection with Irish affairs. I do not wish to say exactly what these are, but I was not going to make any public speeches. I was just going to interview friends.” Describing his movements since leaving London, Mr. said he proceeded from Rondon t<j Quebec in August last, and went through the United States for two or three months. He then returned to Canada and visited Montreal. From there he proceeded to "Vancouver. From there he proceeded to Vancouver and joined the Makura as a first-class passenger for Australia. “I had English passports,” added Mr. Esmonde, “but they have been taken away from me here by the Customs officials.

“1 was on a diplomatic mission in America. I was engaged there on Irish diplomatic work for the Dail Eireann —the Irish Parliament. They were producing a book outlining their case, and I was engaged in Washington in connection with the compilation of the work. I was on a diplomatic mission during the three months I spent in Washington. lam not on a diplomatic mission now.” Referring to the documents which the Customs officials wanted him to sign, Mr. Esmonde said that he believed that one of these was the oath of allegiance. He said that there had also been “a row” at Auckland regarding him, and he had signed a document of some kind there. “I would like to say,” added Mr. Esmonde in conclusion, “that the treatment I have received here compared very unfavorably with the broad-minded and civilised courtesy of the Fiji islanders, who allowed me to land. They did not 'question me. I intended to stay here for a few months, and I was then going back to London.” During the afternoon Mr. Esmonde was visits by the president and secretary of the Catholic Federation. He was also interviewed by Mr. R. D. Meagher, who has been retained to watch and take legal proceedings o"n his behalf. Mr. Esmonde endeavored to land in Auckland, but the Customs authorities there refused him. The Customs authorities and the police boarded the boat on arrival at Sydney, and immediately interviewed Mr. Esmonde. Inquiries were made as to his mission, and in answer Mr. Esmonde said that he was on a mission in connection with Home Rule affairs. Mr. Esmonde was asked to take the oath of allegiance in accordance with a new Federal Act. This, the police state, he refused to do, but afterwards he said that he would consider the matter. It was then decided to detain him pending further inquiries into his mission. It is-understood that Mr. Esmonde is detained under the Immigration Act, and in accordance with this Act, should there be no further developments within twenty-four hours, he must be allowed to come ashore, or further action must be taken.