§ 8. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether His Majesty's ships "Broke" and "Botha" are about to be sold or have been sold to a South American republic; whether the historic names and the records in the late War of these two ships were taken into account by their Lordships when the transactions were made; and why we are encouraging the strengthening of foreign navies in this way in view of Article 8 of the Covenant of the League of Nations?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Long)The "Broke" and "Botha" have been sold to Chile, for whom they 1231 were originally built, in accordance with the contract made with the Chilean Government at the time of their original purchase. Due account was taken by their Lordships of the historic names and records of these two ships, and will be borne in mind when names are allotted to future ships. The hon. and gallant Member will probably agree that the last part of his question does not arise.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWas it not possible to offer to Chile two other flotilla leaders in place of these two, and were the South African Government consulted before the "Botha" was turned over to Chile in this way?
§ Mr. LONGI said in my original answer that the Admiralty had no option. These ships were built for the Chilean Government, and when the British Admiralty detained them, they did so on the distinct contract that they should be returned to Chile at the end of the War.