HC Deb 23 November 1916 vol 87 cc1548-9
4. Mr. MAC MASTER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the German ship "Deutschland" has yet sailed from an American port; if he has any official information showing that a part of her cargo consists of nickel, the product of Canadian mines, purchased by buyers in the United States of America for shipment thence to a German destination to be used by the armed forces of our enemies; and, if so, and in any case, whether any provision has been made by our Government or by the Canadian Government, or by both those Governments acting in concert, to prevent such shipment of nickel?

Lord R. CECIL

The "Deutschland" has sailed. I have no authentic information as to her cargo. With regard to the third part of the question, since the beginning of the War the most careful precautions have been taken to ensure the proper disposal of Canadian nickel.

Mr. MACMASTER

Can the Noble Lord say whether that has been by concert between the British Government and the Canadian Government?

Lord R. CECIL

Yes, Sir.

Mr. PRINGLE

Has the Noble Lord's attention been drawn to a statement made by Sir Wilfrid Laurier as to Canadian nickel being shipped by the "Deutschland?"

Lord R. CECIL

I think I did see some statement to that effect.