§ 23. Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the statement of the Prime Minister of Canada on 6th. December, that he was assured that the aid which Canada proposed would enable such special arrangements to be consummated that without courting disaster at home an effective fleet of battleships and cruisers could be established in the Pacific, etc.; and whether he will state what number of ships and men will be necessary to establish the fleet indicated over and above that he has already described as being necessary for European waters?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe policy of the Admiralty and its explanations have been fully set out in the Memorandum published 435 to the Dominion Government and lately laid on the Table of this House. The Noble Lord's question appears to be a somewhat unsatisfactory condensation of certain parts of that Memorandum. If he would study the original text more closely he would see exactly what is in contemplation.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDAm I to understand there will be no fleet sent to the Pacific, as was stated by Mr. Borden to the Canadian Parliament?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have nothing to add to the statement contained in the Memorandum. That gives the Admiralty position, and if the Noble Lord will read it he will see what the position is.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDI have read it. It says there will be a fleet of battleships for the Pacific. Is that the fact or not?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is by no means an accurate statement of what is contained in the Memorandum. Nothing that corresponds to what the Noble Lord says appears in the Memorandum, but there is a statement in it which in some respects resembles what the Noble Lord did say. If, however, he will compare what he has said with what appears in the Memorandum he will see where he is in error.