HC Deb 06 November 1919 vol 120 cc1667-8
48. Commander Viscount CURZON

asked the Prime Minister whether it was a fact that the Government had accepted the responsibility for the sinking of the ex-German fleet at Scapa Flow; if so, on what grounds; and had anything as yet been decided as to the disposal of the ships salved?

Mr. LONG

His Majesty's Government have not accepted the responsibility for the sinking of the ex-German fleet at Scapa Flow. The disposal of the ships is still under consideration of the Supreme Council.

Lieut.-Colonel C. LOWTHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman say who was the brilliant authority responsible for leaving German crews in the ships? Was it ever supposed that they could be trusted?

Mr. LONG

The decision arrived at by the Council in Paris was that the German Fleet should be interned and not surrendered. I think that answers the question. Internment obviously means that they are in the possession of crews of the nation to which they belong.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Was not that decision against the wish of Great Britain? Did we not wish them to be surrendered?

Mr. LONG

No, not against the wish of Britain. I stated earlier that the Admiralty expressed their view, expressed what they thought was the proper course from the Admiralty point of view, but, as my hon. Friend knows, many other considerations arise in connection with the settlement of this very difficult question, and the ultimate decision was for internment, not for surrender.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Did not the Admiralty speak for Britain in the matter?

Mr. LONG

No, because the way in which the Fleet was dealt with was only one of many great questions which the Council in Paris decided.

Mr. BILLING

Is it proposed to make anyone responsible for this? Is it the German Government or the officer in command?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The hon. Member will have seen that demands have been made on the German Government in consequence of it.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Are we not under a debt of gratitude to the German seamen for sinking these unnecessary ships?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think they are worth more afloat than sunk.