§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that when the Panama Canal is opened the whole strategic position in the Pacific will be altered as far as the British Empire is concerned; whether any steps are going to be taken to make Jamaica a proper naval base; whether he is aware that there is on the northern side of Jamaica, near Montego Bay, a perfectly land-locked harbour; whether this harbour has ever been surveyed by the Admiralty; and, if not, whether there is any intention of a survey of this bay being made; and whether there is any intention of recognising the important base that Jamaica will be to the British Empire when the strategic position in the Pacific is altered by the opening of the Panama Canal?
§ Mr. McKENNANo perfectly landlocked harbour near Montego Bay is known. The strategic effect of the opening of the Panama Canal has engaged the attention of the Admiralty.