§ 17. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has any official information showing that enemy submarines find their way from Antwerp to the sea through the neutral waters of the Scheldt; and, if so, whether representations have been made to the Government which controls these waters?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere is no information, official or otherwise, to the effect that German submarines are finding their way from Antwerp to the sea through the neutral waters of the Scheldt. The Admiralty has no doubt but that the Dutch Government will fulfil its obligations to prevent such exit should the necessity arise.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs my right hon. Friend not aware that eighteen months ago the then First Lord of the Admiralty stated in the House that the Government had grave reasons for suspecting that enemy craft had made use of neutral waters—as I suggest—and could my right hon. Friend say whether representations have been made to neutral Governments, seeing that British war vessels are, by international law, prevented from following these enemy craft through these waters?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy recollection is that that related to suspicions of other neutral waters.
§ Mr. HOUSTONNo; to these.