HC Deb 14 February 1940 vol 357 cc739-40
17. Colonel Wedgwood

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the murdering of unarmed seamen by German airmen, he will consider ceasing to send ships out to pick up these German airmen when their planes are brought down in the sea?

Mr. Churchill

The ordinary instincts of humanity require the rescue from the sea of drowning men or castaways, should they be observed by His Majesty's ships in the course of their duties.

Colonel Wedgwood

Is not saving people from drowning a very different thing from sending out a British ship with British men on board in dangerous waters to pick up people who may or may not be there?

Mr. Churchill

I think my answer covers that point as well as the other point of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that it is repugnant to every seaman not to do his utmost to rescue anyone from the water?

Miss Wilkinson

If the answer of the right hon. Gentleman is the view of the Admiralty, why was it not put into operation with regard to drowning Spanish refugees?

Mr. Churchill

I did not have the opportunity of answering Questions at that time.