3. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the announcement made in November last that no transfer of enemy ships to neutrals would be recognised, he will state whether it is intended to agree to the sale to a Dutch company 296 of the Hamburg-Amerika Company's steamships "Johann Heinrich Burchard" and the "William O'Swald"; and, if so, will he state what are the special circumstances which are considered to justify this course, having regard to the injury done to British mercantile shipping as the result of enemy action, contrary to international law and usage?
Mr. HARMSWORTHHis Majesty's Government, as at present advised, are not prepared to recognise the transfer of enemy ships to neutrals, and the Governments concerned have been so informed.
§ Mr. BILLINGWhat about the purchase of enemy vessels by British subjects?