MR. HARMS WORTH (Caithness-shire)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he can state the specific charges proved against R. Moore, of H.M.S. "Good Hope," who has been sentenced to imprisonment for ninety 88 days with hard labour at Cape Town; and whether the Lords of the Admiralty can see their way to revise this sentence.
(Answered by Mr. Arnold-Forster.) Robert Moore was tried by court-martial at Arosa Bay, in Spain, on 19th February, and not at Cape Town. He pleaded guilty to having committed a breach of naval discipline in having published and sold on board the "Good Hope" a pamphlet containing criticisms on the conduct and organisation of that ship. On a review of the minutes of the court-martial the Board of Admiralty were of opinion that although Moore committed a serious breach of the regulations, there was an absence of malicious intent on his part, and, considering his former good character, the Board felt that they could properly exercise leniency in the case; they accordingly decided to remit the remainder of the imprisonment. The "Good Hope" having arrived at Portland, instructions were telegraphed that Moore was to be released.