1 G.H.Q. Home Forces,
Horse Guards,
S.W. April 29. 1916 My Dear Maxwell,
Thank you for your letter
which I have shown to the
Prime Minister & am taking to
the King. We are sending you The Cavalry
from Aldershot & for Shillham
the 'Hilton' from .
I am glad to learn you have
approved of whether steps which 2 had been taken by Friend and
Lowe before you arrived.
You are in exciting and interesting
surroundings. I have had long talks with
Carson and Redmond. Carson tells us there are 50000
Ulster Volunteers (all around)
now at their homes and ready
to answer any call which 3 2 which may make upon him.
Redmond (who Carson says is
with Ireland) says his volunteers
will also render help. Carson thinks the Troops you have
drawn into Dublin from Belfast
should be sent North again as
soon as you can spare them
from Dublin —You must of course
use your own judgement as to this 4 128 but I only tell you what he says. Cor Cork has been upended
this by both Carson & Lord Middleton
as a dangerous point - they
have sent you over there
(to Lansdowne) an infantry
of this GOD in from Salisbury.
A show of force will do
good in the South. Let me know your wants and 5 3 they shall receive prompt
attention. I don't think there is much
chance (now) of a German
landing on the West Coast
of Ireland but that is what
we must be prepared for. Yours sincerely
French 6 P.S. The King went over to
London last night to report as to
Ireland.— His Majesty asked me to tell you
(1) that in his view it was absolutely
necessary to institute a search of all
houses for Arms assome as this is
possible — (ii) The King is very anxious
that Civilians, and those not engaged
in rebillion should be cleared away
& protected to this at least. I told His Majesty that I would
give you this message but assured 7 him that you were fully alive to
the importance of these points and
would give them all the attention
you could —