§ 46. Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEasked the Prime Minister at what time the Foreign Office first knew of the danger threatening Captain Fryatt at the hands of the Germans; and when they first consulted the Admiralty in the matter?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe first intimation received by the Foreign Office of the danger threatening Captain Fryatt was contained in a telegram from His Majesty's Consul-General at Rotterdam, dated 17th July, to the effect that the Dutch paper "Telegraaf," of the same date, stated that Captain Fryatt would be tried by court-martial at Ghent for ramming a German submarine. This telegram was communicated to the Admiralty immediately on its receipt, and the United States Ambassador was at once asked to ascertain by telegraph whether the report was correct. The various communications that have passed with the United States Embassy on the subject have been published in the Press, and show that till the report in the Dutch Press referred to above, the information received was that Captain Fryatt was safe and well, and gave no indication of any danger to him.
§ Mr. GWYNNEAre we to understand that the Foreign Office did consult with the Admiralty right the way through?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am afraid that I cannot give any further information than that contained in the answer.