HC Deb 12 June 1882 vol 270 cc825-6
SIR JOHN HAY

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, What are the distances respectively of Famagousta, Marmorice, and Suda Bay from Alexandria, and what are the reasons which led to a preference for Suda Bay as a rendezvous for operations at Alexandria?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

Sir, in answer to the geographical inquiry addressed to me by my right hon. and gallant Friend, I have to say that I believe the three places named are distant from Alexandria 325 miles, 345 miles, and 417 miles respectively. My right hon. and gallant Friend further asks me why Suda Bay was selected as a rendezvous? The reason was that it is the natural place in which to assemble squadrons moving from Corfu and the Piraeus.

SIR JOHN HAY

asked what the Squadron had to do at Corfu?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN,

in reply, said, that the Squadron had been moved from Corfu. The British Squadron had been moved from Corfu and the French from the Piraeus. Suda Bay was directly in the way from those places.

SIR JOHN HAY

asked whether there were any stores at Corfu for the supply of the British Squadron?

[No answer was given.]