HC Deb 12 April 1920 vol 127 c1380
31. Commander Viscount CURZON

asked the Prime Minister where the ex-German and Turkish warships now are and who are responsible for them pending a final decision as to their fate?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Turkish warships interned at the Golden Horn are under Allied supervision. The first convoy of ex-German ships is at the Firth of Forth; the remainder of those to be surrendered are in German ports. Pending their being taken over by the countries to which they are allotted, Great Britain is responsible for German ships in British ports, and the German Government is responsible for those in German ports.

Viscount CURZON

Is it not a fact that one or two ex-German cruisers have already been sent to French ports, and does that represent their final destination?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I was not aware of that. Perhaps my noble Friend will give notice, or will communicate with me.

Mr. BILLING

May I ask what steps, if any, have been taken to prevent a recurrence of what happened at Scapa Flow, in the case of the ships now under British control?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I would rather my hon. Friend put that question to the Admiralty. I am sure proper steps are being taken.

Back to