HC Deb 20 February 1877 vol 232 cc735-6
CAPTAIN PIM

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether his attention has been drawn to the following statement in the "Times" of the 1st February:— Russian Ships of War.—'A. M.' sends us a note, dated January 9, received by him from San Francisco on Wednesday morning:—'There is a fleet of thirteen Russian corvettes in the bay here;' whether the account in the "Globe" of the 13th January, headed "Russian Fleet in the Atlantic and Pacific" is correct, that— In the event of war being declared between England and Russia this fleet of eleven war vessels would assuredly paralyse the grain trade of this Country and disorganise our food supply. To oppose these eleven Russian war vessels England has but seven ships in the Pacific, carrying but fifty-six guns, viz., the 'Repulse,' 12; 'Amethyst,' 14; 'Opal,' 14; 'Fantome,' 4; 'Albatross,' 4; 'Daring,' 4; 'Rocket,' 4. The four gunboats are only 100 tons larger than the 'Goshawk,' and the latter is unfit for ocean cruising. It remains, therefore, that the Russians, if they care to soar above capturing our grain ships, can oppose eleven vessels to our seven; and further, in the "Globe" of the 6th February, under the head "Deserving Official Attention," that— "Owing to Esquimault being but poorly defended, the Russian fleet could easily beat down upon it and with very little opposition seize it and its valuable stores;'"

and, whether he will inform the House if any precautions have been taken or preparation made to guard against disaster (in the event of war) to our colony and shipping in the Pacific?

MR. HUNT

Sir, the information at my command does not agree with that quoted by the hon. and gallant Member. It is to the effect that on the 24th of January there was at San Francisco a Russian squadron, consisting not of 13 corvettes, but of one corvette, two gun-vessels, and three gunboats. The hon. and gallant Member seems by his Questions to anticipate an outbreak of war between this country and Russia. That is an anticipation in which I do not share, our relations with that Empire being of a friendly character. Should, however, British interests be threatened from any quarter or in any part of the globe, I hope the House will rely upon Her Majesty's Government taking proper steps to afford them protection.