§ 3. Major ARCHER-SHEEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to a letter recently published, which was writen by Vice-Admiral Sir Percy Scott, Baronet, on the 13th January, 1908, whilst at the time commanding the First Cruiser Squadron under the higher command of Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, in which letter Vice-Admiral Sir Percy Scott asked the editor of a periodical to send him 200 copies of the paper and some posters; whether he is aware that the issue of the paper alluded to contained an article attacking the admiral then commanding the Home Fleet, and that copies of this journal and posters were sent to every officer and every ship in the fleet; whether, in view of the fact that a breach of discipline occurred on this occasion, in direct contravention of Article 9, King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, he will call on Vice-Admiral Sir Percy Scott, Baronet, for an explanation; and whether the retirement of this officer will be delayed until this matter has been investigated?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have seen some of the articles in the periodical called "John Bull," to which I understand the hon. Member refers. As I stated on the 16th of January last, it would not be in the interests of the naval service to revive the controversies of five years ago, and I have no intention of doing so. I do not propose to institute any inquiry nor to take any action to ascertain the accuracy or merits of the statements in the articles.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEIs it not a fact that if this matter had been published at the time, this officer would have been court-martialled for an act of treachery and insubordination? I am prepared to stand by the authenticity of this accusation outside this House as well as inside.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe hon. Gentleman has shown himself willing to use very harsh language against persons who cannot defend themselves, but that fact does not in any way induce me to answer hypothetical questions.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEIf I am prepared to make the statement outside as well as inside the House, does not that fact defend me against the charge of attacking an officer in his absence?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe can all form our own opinions.