HC Deb 28 July 1913 vol 56 c14
23. Mr. PIKE PEASE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is customary during the naval manœuvres for the wireless operators on certain ships to be engaged in deliberately interfering with the wireless communication of the opposing Fleet; whether the problem of jamming messages is a simple one and easily applied to the Imperial service; and will he say whether there are any known means of preventing this?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am advised that it is not the universal custom during manœuvres to attempt to interfere with the opposing Fleet's messages, though it may at times have been attempted for short periods. It is not worth the trouble involved and the delay caused to the communications of one's own Fleet, and has in practice often been found abortive. The problem is not a simple one, even when the installations are of the same type, and would be more difficult when the details of the opponent's system are not well known, and very difficult in the ease of stations well separated from each other. The answer to the last part of the question is generally in the affirmative.

MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINE

Is it not possible to tap messages sent across?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir.