HC Deb 27 February 1918 vol 103 cc1346-7
1. Major NEWMAN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received dispatches dealing with the sinking of the ex-German cruiser "Breslau:" and the grounding and subsequent escape of the ex-German battle cruiser "Goeben"; and, if so, will they be published?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

A Report has been received, but it is not proposed to publish it. A separate Report, mentioning the names of officers and men who specially distinguished themselves is being forwarded by the Commander-in-Chief, but has not yet been received. Press communications on the matter were, as my hon. and gallant Friend will remember, issued on the 20th. 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 28th, and 29th January, and on 4th February. He will also be aware that on the 30th January last I replied to a question regarding these vessels by my right hon. Friend the Member for South Molton.

Major NEWMAN

May I ask if this Report is not going to be published? Has not the public a right to know everything about this remarkable action?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Certainly the public has a right to know everything that is possible in the public interest, but if we published the dispatch it would give information to the enemy which he could not possibly obtain by any other means.

Mr. GEORGE LAMBERT

Could my right hon. Friend say whether the "Goeben" has now been repaired and is seaworthy?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot say that.

Commander BELLAIRS

Cannot we be informed whether the "Goeben" was actually mined or not, and why cannot we have dispatches whenever unfavourable circumstances supervene—we never get them?

Dr. MACNAMARA

My hon. and gallant Friend first of all, I think, should look at the several Admiralty communiqués. If he wants anything further than that, I will consider it.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Admiralty in future do not claim a victory where no victory has occurred?

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