HC Deb 24 February 1910 vol 14 cc339-40
Colonel LOCKWOOD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether a hoax has been played upon the naval authorities by the pretended visit of some Abyssinian princes; and, if so, whether he will take steps to prevent such conduct in future?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)

I understand that a number of persons put themselves to considerable trouble and expense in pretending to be a party of Abyssinians, and in this disguise visited one of His Majesty's ships. The question is being considered whether any breach of the law has been committed which can be brought home to the offenders.

Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

Will the right hon. Gentleman include in his inquiry an inquiry as to whether it is not a fact that these gentlemen conferred the Royal Abyssinian Order on the Admiral, who wrote to the King to know whether he could wear it, and will he wear it?

Mr. McKENNA

I shall be relieved from the necessity of inquiring into that matter because I know it not to be true.

Colonel LOCKWOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman think with me that the joke was a direct insult to His Majesty's flag?

Mr. McKENNA

I think I have answered the question upon the Paper fully. The hon. and gallant Gentleman will not ask me to go further into a matter which is obviously the work of foolish persons.