§ 20. Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state to the House all the circumstances which happened with regard to the attack on the transport "Manitou"; whether he is aware that the communication already made by the Admiralty leaves a mystery which is disquieting; and whether he is aware that such mystery gives occasion for unfair inferences to be drawn?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe transport "Manitou," with troops on board, was stopped by the Turkish torpedo boat "Dhair Hissar" which had escaped from Smyrna. The crew and troops were ordered to abandon the vessel, about eight minutes being given. The torpedo boat then fired three torpedoes at the transport which missed. She was then driven off by British destroyers which had come up. She was chased and eventually beached herself and was destroyed, her crew being captured. While the troops were leaving the transport, two boats capsized, 51 lives being lost. In one case a davit broke, and in the other the boat appears to have been overcrowded. There is nothing either mysterious or disquieting about this affair. The essential facts were made public by the Admiralty as soon as they were known. I do not know what unfair inferences have been drawn.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEHow was it reported that 100 lives were lost when there were only 51?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot answer that.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was because the essential facts were not stated that there was in the country a general idea, which was unfounded, that there had been damage done?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI think that the Noble Lord will gather from the answer which I have given that the essential facts were made known by the Admiralty as soon as they were known.
§ Mr. BOYTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say what were the troops that were concerned in this disaster?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAPerhaps the hon. Member will give me notice.