HC Deb 19 December 1916 vol 88 cc1310-1
86. Mr. EVELYN CECIL

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to the probable treatment by the German Government of Captain Blaikie, of the Anchor Line steamer "Caledonia," who is reported in danger of his life owing to his bravery in self-defence against a German submarine; and whether he can make any further statement upon the subject in view of the action taken by His Majesty's Government?

Mr. BONARLAW

I am glad to be able to inform the House that a telegram has now been received from the United States Ambassador to the effect that the German Foreign Office has given a personal assurance to the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Government in Berlin that Captain Blaikie will not share the fate of Captain Fryatt. It is added that the German Admiralty consider the "Caledonia" as an armed cruiser, and therefore that in attempting to ram the submarine Captain Blaikie was only doing his duty.