§ 53. Lord C. BERESFORDasked the Prime Minister whether the attack on the Dardanelles has developed a new and serious situation; whether the ships, munitions of war, and officers and men of both Services have been diverted to the Dardanelles; and whether, seeing that the Government have informed the public that every man, gun, and munition that can possibly be provided are required for the campaign in Flanders, and in order to allay anxiety with regard to the strain upon our resources for the new campaign in the Dardanelles, he will make a statement on the subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Noble Lord will agree that it is not advisable to deal with this matter by question and answer. A general statement at the present, time would be premature.
§ 85. Mr. KELLAWAYasked whether Lord Fisher was consulted with regard to the March attack on the Dardanelles by the Fleet; and whether he expressed the opinion that the attack ought not to be, made in the circumstances in which it was made?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYIs my right hon. Friend aware that, statements of the kind to which the question calls attention have been widely made in the Press of this country, and that they have been copied in the Press, of Germany and equally commented upon, and, as their only effect could be to encourage the enemy of this country, are there no means by which the authors of them can be brought to book?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not think that we ought to attach too much importance to these statements, but if there is any question of that kind it should not be addressed to the Admiralty, but to the Home Office.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not himself who is struck at in these charges, but that they are really directed at Lord Fisher, and ought not a great public servant of that kind to be protected?