The Prime Minister went on to say that the report
of the inquiry into the Cork fires would not be published. The Govern- ment concluded that there had been " acts of indiscipline on the part of some of the auxiliary force," but the individual offenders could not be traced. Seven men of the company which was concerned had been dismissed, though their guilt could not be proved ; the officer in command had been suspended and the company had been dissolved. Civilians were un- doubtedly concerned in the affair, but the Cork people would not give evidence at the inquiry. The Government had been unable to make a truce with the Sinn Feiners because they refused to surrender their arms. As for the Mallow affray, Mr. Thomas's version was inaccurate. An inquiry was held, but the railway. men declined to attend and give evidence. Mr. Thomas, who had done rightly in appealing to the House of Commons, should try to persuade the men to help in detecting Mrs. King's murderer. The Government were prepared to resume the inquiry. " But," added the Prime Minister, " we are not going to submit to threats of strikes."
