HC Deb 19 March 1919 vol 113 c2085
47. Sir ARCHIBALD WILLIAMSON

asked the Prime Minister whether the German ships in Chilean waters have been allocated to the United States; whether German ships in Uruguayan and Peruvian waters have also passed to the control of the United States; if he is aware that British ships have been withdrawn by the British Government from the South American trade, and that the United States is thus supplanting Great Britain in that important trade.; and whether a more equitable arrangement can be made?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Colonel Leslie Wilson)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The arrangements for securing that enemy vessels in neutral ports shall be delivered to the Associated Governments and for their management have been made by the Associated Governments in concert, with a view to the vessels being brought into use most speedily and conveniently for the prescribed purpose. Under these arrangements the United States will be responsible for taking the necessary action in regard to enemy vessels in neutral South American ports. It is clearly understood that this use of the ships is without prejudice to their ultimate disposition, and that in the discussion of their ultimate disposition no argument will be founded on their allocation for management or service in the meantime.

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

What is the reason for allocating these big ships entirely to America?

Colonel WILSON

It has been found that the United States is the most convenient country to have the handling of these vessels.