HC Deb 21 March 1912 vol 35 c2075
Captain FABER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will consider the advisability of arming and equipping during peace a certain number of British merchant ships with the idea of enabling them to protect themselves on any outbreak of war, and so relieving the Navy to some extent from the responsibility in guarding them?

Mr. CHURCHILL

This question is engaging the close attention of the Board of Admiralty.