HC Deb 04 May 1911 vol 25 cc593-4
Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the official statement that the-Government do not admit the right of foreign nations to convert merchant ships into men-of-war on the high seas, he will state to the House what action the Government will take if foreign merchant ships are so converted; and whether, in the event of such ships preying upon our mercantile marine, they will be treated as pirates when caught?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)

The action to be taken will be a matter for the decision of His Majesty's Government when the occasion arises.