§ 45. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Prime Minister whether Admiral of the Fleet, Sir David Beatty, was offered and accepted the post of First Sea Lord last December; whether he is now in the Riviera and has gone there because he is not employed even in an indirect advisory capacity; whether Sir David Beatty has been consulted on Naval policy since the Armistice as Sir Douglas Haig has been consulted on military policy; and whether he can state when Sir David Beatty will take up the post of First Sea Lord?
§ Mr. LONGThe Prime Minister has requested me to reply to this question, and I am glad to have the opportunity of correcting some misapprehensions which appear to have arisen.
It is not the case that Sir David Beatty was offered the post of First Sea Lord. Sir David Beatty was told unofficially, by my predecessor, that he hoped he would come as First Sea Lord when the post became vacant. When I assumed office I confirmed this statement, and I adhere to it now. On no occasion has any date been mentioned or any definite official offer been made.
Sir David Beatty is now enjoying his well earned rest in the Mediterranean. He has been consulted on Naval policy since the Armistice, and he was also invited on relinquishing the command of the Grand Fleet, to preside over an important inquiry bearing on future Naval policy, having regard to experiences gained in the War; but for personal reasons he asked to be excused from undertaking this work.
No immediate change in the office of First Sea Lord is contemplated, and I take this opportunity of stating that Admiral Sir Rosslyn Wemyss enjoys the complete confidence of His Majesty's Government.