1 Feb 15 1916 Lord Buckmaster to R There have always been as you know well a very considerabl
body of Irish operatives in the town of Keighley. They are stro
gly Nationalist and have always formed a body by themselves ... I
Believe that I once enjoyed their confidence and thei support. What I thought right to tell you was this: that as soon as
the War was decalredall of these men available for military service
enlisted in a body, and it may be doubted if there are even a
handful left who are fit to fight and have not offered their servue.
ice I want you to know this as the Irish position is as no one knows
better than yourself often but imperfectly understood. You cd probabl
verify this statement of mine by enquiry in the district At any rate
I knowit will give you encouragement in the difficult work at which y
you have laboured so hard. Yrs very sincerely Buckmaster