HC Deb 04 December 1919 vol 122 c565
32. Viscount CURZON

asked whether anything has as yet been decided with regard to the disposal of the ex-German ships and the "Goeben"; whether the cost to this country of the manning and maintenance of these ships is recoverable from Germany?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The matter is still under consideration by the Supreme Council in Paris. As regards the second part, a record of the expenses incurred is being kept, but the amount cannot yet be stated. The provision of a skeleton crew for the "Goeben" is a charge upon the Turkish Government. As regards the last part of the question, no financial claims have been made on Germany for expenses arising out of the Scapa incident, but reparation in kind has been demanded.

Viscount CURZON

Are we to take it as a fact that the publication made as to the disposal of these ships is correct?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not know to what publication the hon. and gallant Member refers.

Viscount CURZON

Publication in the Press.