OFFICIAL PAPERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 144360, 26 March 1914, Page 3

OFFICIAL PAPERS.

DISCUSSED IN PARLIAMENT. (Received March 26, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, March 25. Tho While Paper presented to Parliament stated that, when the Army Coune.il learned that the resignations were imminent it ordered the suspension of the seniora. Brigadier-General Gough demanded a clear definition of the'diity required. All were prepared to assist the civil power but not in military operations against Ulster. He also inquired, if Home Rule become law, whether tho maintenance of order might bo construed to mean tho enforcement of Home Rule. Tho Council replied that it was satisfied there was a misunderstanding. It was not intended to crush political opposition to Homo Rule. Brigadier-General Gough reported that his officers wore unanimously of opinion that further information was essential before they were called upon at such short notice to form decisions vitally affecting their future. Especially was a clear definition needed regarding the duty required m Ulster. If it consisted of the preservation of property and maintenance of order all were prepared to cany out orders. If it involved military operations against Ulster they would prefer dismissal. On tho twenty-third Brigadier-Gen-eral Gough asked whether, in the event of Home Rule becoming law, they would bo called upon under the expression ‘'Maintaining law and Order” to enforce Homo Rule. He insisted on this point, being made clear. The reply, initialled by Colonel Seely. General Sir John French and General Sir J. S. Ewart, on the 23rd, authorised Brigadier-General Gough to inform the brigade that (ho Council was satisfied there had boon a misunderstanding. Tho duty of ail soldiers was to obey tho Council’s commands for tho protection of property, tho support of the civil power in the event of disturbances and tho protection of Jives. This was

the only point the Council intended. Lieutenant-General Pagot put it to the officers that tho Government must retain tho right to use troops m support of tho civil power and for the maintenance of order. It did not intend to take advantage of it to crush political opposition to tho policy and principles of Homo Rule. COLONEL SEELY’S EXPLANATION.

Mr. Bonar Law said there were many gaps in tho White Paper, which required filling before adequate discussion was possible. Colonel Seely said ha would conceal nothing. Tho White Paper included all tho instructions given to LieutenantGeneral Paget, but there were oral instructions respecting tho movements of troops also numerous consultations ol which no memoranda were kept. Mr Amcry (Birmingham South) asked-—“ Will Mr. Churchill state whether lie hoped purely precautionary measures would lead to fighting and bloodshed?” ~ , ~ , , Mr. Churchill said ho repudiated the hellish insinuation. Amid uproar, tho Speaker ordered Air Churchill to withdrew ihe epithet. .Mr. Churchill reluctantly withdrew the remark. ... Colonel Seely added that l.ieutenonlGeueral Paget's officers honestly believed that a plan existed to overwhelm Ulster hv a surprise attack. i’Jiev won' unaware that they were only h;dug ashed to support the civil power. Lieutenant-General Paget denied the accuracv of the letter purporting to oive Ids phrase "the country m a bl.-tae." !! ■ said Ir- mmml a hl.y.e m the press. Col. Seely accepted iho rosiiousi'elitv lor granting conditions to Bri'-adier-General Gough. He admitted 1 hilt,' he had misled the Cabinet inadvertently. Me was honest in intent. therefore he tendered his resignation. The sugces'ion that the King took any initiative was absolutely unfounded, Mr. Greenwood said there was not a colonial in the Empire, wm would mu le. : .becked by the events ni the last few (lays. . , ~ On Colonel B~.lv s suggest ion tile discussion will be continued on the full fuels to-day. CAUSE OF THE ORDERS TO TROOPS. The White Paper stales that on December Ui an interview took place between Colonel Seely and general officers commanding, when tile possibility ot resignations was brought lo Colonel •Se'tv’s notice. Colonel Seely dealt with the legal quistion and laid down Hint n soldier could not shelter himseli from ire; civil law behind a superior's orders, li that order was unreasonable and outrageous, lor instance if the arulv was call' (1 upon to massacre a deml'iisi ral inn of Orangelar who were, not endangering their neighbours' lives, the soldiers would he iu-tilied in refusing to obey, M hat ilirv were refptired to face at present wal lb > possibiiitv of the ireops being called on to support ihe civil power and protect life and properly when ihe police were unable to do so. Colonel SfH'K’ tl«v!n ivd that lid would hold officers ‘individually responsible that nothing in their cciumandfl was .subversive of discipline. The Army Council on March 1-U believing Armagh. Omagh. Carrickforgus and Enniskillen were liable to attack instructed Lieutenant-General Paget, to lake special precautions. LieutenantGeneral Pagot telegraphed Unit all the officers of the slh Lancers, except two. woro msicning thuir commissionß and he feared the same condition prevailed in the Kith Lancers. Ho also feared the men would refuse to move. Lieutenant-General Paget telegraphed on the 20Ui that the Brigadier and fiftv-sevon officers of Third Cavalry Brigade preferred dismissal if they were ordered north. The Army Council replied authorising the suspension of tho seniors and ordered Brigadier-General Gough and the officers commanding the sth and 10th Lancers were being sent to relievo them forthwith. The resignations of all officers should lie refused.