HC Deb 01 July 1909 vol 7 cc595-6
Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the distance from New York to Brest is about 2,900 knots and from Libau to Tsushima approximately 13,000 knots; and whether, in view of the fact that a Russian fleet was able to undertake the latter voyage with the object of carrying out offensive operations, and that a United States navy would thus be able to carry out similar operations on the eastern shores of the Atlantic Ocean, he will take the latter navy into his consideration in providing for the two-Power standard?

Mr. McKENNA

With reference to the first part of the question the facts stated are approximately correct. With regard to the second part, it is undesirable to moot hypotheses for which there is no basis.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

I do not understand the answer of the right hon. Gentleman. I understand that the United States Navy was excluded from the computation in estimating the two-Power standard. Is that so?

Mr. McKENNA

I have stated that I think it would be undesirable to moot hypotheses for which there is no basis.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can say if it is now the view of the Admiralty that the two-Power standard must be taken to be the total effective strength of the British Navy for defence as against the combined effective strength of any other two fleets for attack; and whether, in computing the strength of the latter, regard must be had to the geographical position of the bases from which the fleets will operate?

Mr. McKENNA

The Admiralty view of the two-Power standard has been very fully stated in Debate, and the hon. Gentleman will understand that it is impossible to continue the Debate by means of interrogatory in the very limited time devoted to questions.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

Am I to understand that regard must be had to the geographical position of the bases of a possible hostile fleet?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes. I think that the hon. Gentleman will find a phrase almost on those words in the course of the Debate to which I have referred.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

How does the right hon. Gentleman reconcile that with the answer to my former question?