§ 87. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the cause of the attack made on the Russian warship in the Baltic; why no survivors were picked up from the ship sunk; and what were our total casualties in the action?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOn the 18th May. Bolshevik destroyers and four smaller craft, supported by a cruiser, came out to support their right flank and to attack Esthonian ships. An engagement ensued in which four of His Majesty's ships took part, and resulted in the Bolshevik vessels being driven back behind their minefields. No Bolshevik ships were sunk. There were no British casualties.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British ships were ordered to fire on the Bolshevik ships, and whether we are at war with Russia? May I have an answer?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI want to know whether these British ships had orders to fire on the Bolshevik ships?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman must put his question on the Paper.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI submit that it is a perfectly proper supplementary to the question I have on the Paper.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for me to judge.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI desire to draw your attention, Sir, to my question:—"If he will state what was the cause of the attack made on the Russian warships in the Baltic?" I asked for the cause, and, so far, I have had no explanation.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am afraid I cannot add to the answer I have already given.