asked the President if he has yet made any representations to the Government of the Six Counties to secure redress for Mr. Chambers, a citizen of Saorstát Eireann, who (as requested by the President) submitted a statement of his grievance in the form of an affidavit, sworn and duly attested; and, if so, what reply was made to his communication.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - REDRESS FOR SAORSTAT CITIZEN.
The answer is in the negative.
May I ask whether the President intends doing anything in the matter?
Before I answer the Deputy, I would like to be assured that he is authorised by Mr. Chambers, or that he is acting with his sanction, in asking this question?
Certainly, sir. It was I recommended Mr. Chambers, instead of my asking a question, to put his case before the President and to ask in the regular way for the intervention of our Government.
Mr. Chambers called upon my Secretary, and my Secretary suggested to him that, in view of the fact that he was using other means to approach the Northern Government, it would be a question for him to consider whether it was in his interest that this affidavit should be forwarded. This interview with my Secretary took place on the 17th December, and on the 18th December this letter was received from Mr. Chambers:—
Diarmuid O'Hegarty, Esq.,
Secretary, Executive Council.
Dear Sir,
With further reference to our conversation of yesterday, and considering the whole matter over, and taking into calculation the disastrous consequences that would result to my property North and South if this impending financial smash takes place, I would like to impress on you that what is really imperative to me is immediate relief.
I do not take it that that answer was an expression on his part of a desire to send forward his affidavit. I have not since received any representation from Mr. Chambers to forward the affidavit, and it has not been forwarded.
Has the President read the affidavit? If he has he will realise that instant action was required on behalf of Mr. Chambers to save his property.
Mr. Chambers was seen on the 17th December. He was asked if he wished to have this affidavit forwarded. He was told to let us know by Monday, and he sent us, on Saturday, the letter I have read out. I cannot read into that letter any request from Mr. Chambers that his affidavit should be forwarded.
Does the President admit that Mr. Chambers provided him with that sworn affidavit on the request of the President, or, at any rate, on the request of the Secretary, acting for him?
I have nothing to add to what I have already said. It may not be clear to the metaphysical mind, but it is to the ordinary commonsense mind.
I will return to the matter in another question later on. Perhaps the President will occupy the interval in reading the affidavit asked for.
I do not intend to.