HC Deb 30 April 1923 vol 163 cc963-5
46. Mr. MOREL

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to a speech by Admiral Sims, of the United States Navy, delivered at Los Angeles City Club on 3rd April, to the effect that there is no authentic record of an atrocity ever having been perpetrated by the commander and crew of a German submarine; that the Press stories of atrocities were nothing but propaganda; that the British and American naval records are filled with reports showing that German U-boat commanders aided in the rescue of crews and passengers of ships they sank; and that if they could not tow the ships to safety they would always, by means of the radio, notify other ships of the position of the crippled vessel; and if he is in a position to make any statement as to British naval records in this regard?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Commander Eyres-Monsell)

I have been asked to reply. I have seen Press statements regarding the speech referred to. Full information with regard to atrocities committed by-German submarine commanders was, in accordance with Article 228 of the Peace Treaty, given to the Allied Sub-Commission in August, 1919, and I cannot accept the assertion that there was nothing but propaganda in the accounts of these atrocities. On the other hand, many German submarine officers behaved with as much humanity as was possible, subject to their general orders to sink merchant vessels indiscriminately and without warning.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is it not a fact that one German submarine commander was tried by the German Court?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

Yes.

Mr. A. A. SOMERVILLE

Did not the German Admiralty issue the infamous order that enemy merchantmen were to be sunk "without trace"?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

That is a well-known fact.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a full report of some of the most hideous atrocities committed by German submarines was published in the official account of the Leipzig trials?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Would it not be as well to wait until the full report of the speech of this American admiral is received here?

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