HC Deb 30 April 1923 vol 163 cc968-9
54. Mr. TREVELYAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a seizure of British ships was made by the United States last year outside the three-mile limit; and whether the protest made by the British Government on that occasion to the United States Government can be published?

Mr. McNEILL

A British vessel was seized and is still detained by the United States authorities on the ground that her small boats had entered the three-mile limit for an illegal purpose although the vessel herself had remained outside. His Majesty's Government have questioned the right of the United States Government to make this seizure and diplomatic correspondence on the subject is proceeding. No useful purpose would be served by laying this correspondence before Parliament at the present stage.

Mr. LANSBURY

Is there to be any time limit in this case?

Mr. SIMPSON

Is this the only case in which British vessels have been seized?