§ Mr. HOUSTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the critical state of affairs in Lourenzo Marques, Delagoa Bay, South-East Africa, and the prejudice and danger occasioned thereby to British subjects and British vessels; will he explain why a British man-of-war has not been sent to Delagoa Bay to protect British interests; whether this is due to the inefficient condition of the vessels forming the Cape Squadron; whether there is a German cruiser or man-of-war at Delagoa Bay or in the neighbourhood; and whether, in the absence of any British man-of-war, a German warship, if present, will afford protection to British subjects?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)In consequence of reports received from Lourenzo Marques of possible disorders which might involve prejudice to British subjects, orders have been given for the Commander-in-Chief in H.M.S. "Hermes" to proceed there, and he will arrive on the 23rd April. H.M.S. "Hermes" has just completed a refit, and is efficient. No German man-of-war is at Delagoa Bay, though the "Seeadler" is going to Durban to be in readiness for the protection of German subjects.
§ Mr. HOUSTONCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the Admiralty will take steps to prevent the recurrence of the very unfortunate circumstance which occurred at Zanzibar, Jamaica, and St. Lucia, where British subjects and British interests had to seek protection and assistance from foreign men-of-war?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a long way from Lourenzo Marques.
Captain FABERasked if the right hon. Gentleman will state why the orders for the departure of His Majesty's cruiser "Forte" to Delagoa Bay was cancelled?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe reason was that the Admiral wished to go in his own flagship, and the "Forte's" refit was arranged to take place as soon as that of the "Hermes" was completed.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe "Hermes" was under repair. I may say that the "Forte" was kept at Durban up to the 25th March ready to proceed to Lourenzo Marques.
Captain FABERAre we to understand that the Admiralty had no vessel which they could send up to Lourenzo Marques?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have already stated that the "Forte" was kept at Durban ready to proceed to Lourenzo Marques.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs it not a fact that the pace of the "Forte" is only twelve knots an hour?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot say. I must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. HOUSTONWill the hon. Member say why on the first intimation of these disorders a British man-of-war was not sent to Lourenzo Marques; and will he also state whether it is not a fact that the reason a vessel was not sent was due to the inefficient state of the ships?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo, it was not due to the inefficient state of the ships. The "Forte" was due for refit, but it does not follow that she was not effective or unfit for any active service which might be required of her. I may instance the work she did at Cape Point in helping to save the crew of the wrecked Portuguese liner.
§ Mr. HOUSTONBut the "Forte" is not the only vessel stationed there. What was the condition of the other vessels?