§ MR. TOTTENHAMasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether it is the case (as stated in the "Times" of 5th instant) that the rendezvous of the English and French fleets at Suda Bay is forty-five hours' steaming from Alexandria, whereas the anchorages of the Island of Cyprus are only twenty-six hours distant; and, whether there are any considerable advantages or facilities, as to coaling, provisioning, water, or otherwise, connected with the position of Suda Bay which justify its selection in preference to those under the administration of one of the Combined Powers, and within a shorter distance from the point of observation?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANSir, the reason why the Mediterranean Squadron was sent to Suda Bay, in Crete, rather than to Famagousta, in Cyprus, was that the former affords a much more secure anchorage, and is more conveniently situated for the objects we had in view. It lies directly in the way between Corfu, from which the ships were moved, and Alexandria; whereas Cyprus is entirely out of the way.