§ 42. Sir E. CARSONasked the Prime. Minister whether he will consider the advisability of abolishing the light of the German Government to appear and make claims in the Prize Courts of the United Kingdom or throughout the Empire, having regard to the action of the German Government in refusing to act according to the principles of international law in asserting the right to sink mercantile and passenger ships and murder the crews and passengers?
§ Sir JOHN SIMONSo far as I am aware there has only been one case in which a claim made on behalf of the German Government has come before the Prize Court, and this situation is not likely to recur. The case in question was that of the "Ophelia," which claims to be a hospital ship. Judgment in this case is reserved, and in such a case it is in every way better that the German Government should be given an opportunity of explaining if they can the use to which this vessel was put.
§ Sir E. CARSONDo the Germans ever bring our ships into their courts?
§ Sir J. SIMONNot if our Navy can prevent it.