1 HEADQUARTERS, IRISH COMMAND, PARKGATE, DUBLIN. 14th May, 1916. Sir, I am directed by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief
to inform you that his attention has been drawn to several
articles that have appeared recently in your paper, the purpose
of which appears to be to criticise and bring into contempt the
administration of Martial Law in this country and to foster
sympathy for those who have taken up arms, or plotted
to do so, against His Majesty's Troops. I am to inform you that the publication of such
sentiments cannot be tolerated and that the appearance of any
further articles of this nature in any newspaper under your
control will render you liable to immediate action being taken
under the provisions of the Defence of the Realm Act. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief is well aware
that the suppression of the rising inevitably entailed the
regrettable arrest and detention of a certain number of persons
who neither encouraged nor took part in the rebellion or in
the preparations for same. These cases are being investigated
with all possible dispatch and though some time may elapse before
all the innocent persons can be liberated, Press comments
dwelling upon and emphasising in flamboyant and incendiary
language any such cases of hardship and injustice can but have
a prejudicial effect upon the peace of the country which it is
the object of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to restore
as speedily as possible. I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant R.H.
BRIGADIER GENERAL,
GENERAL STAFF. To THE EDITOR, FREEMAN'S JOURNAL, D U B L I N.