§ 23. Viscount CURZONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many ships were engaged in the operation of searching for and destroying the "Emden" and "Karlsruhe," respectively, during the late War?
§ Mr. AMMONAs the reply is somewhat long, I will, with the Noble Lord's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ The reply is as follows:
§ During the period from the commencement of hostilities until the Emden was destroyed on 9th November, 1914, it was only possible to detail six ships, four British and two Japanese, especially to search for her. As a direct result of "Emden's" activities, however, many other ships were employed escorting the Australian, New Zealand and Indian troop transports. After the Battle of Coronel had definitely located Admiral von Spee's force, arrangements were made to collect a force of 14 cruisers to search for the "Emden." The ship was, however, met and destroyed by H.M.A.S. "Sydney" before the organisation was complete. The latter was not under special orders to search for the "Emden," but was primarily employed on convoy duty. The "Karlsruhe" operated mostly in the West Indies and South American waters, and 18 vessels in all were detached specifically to search areas from which reports of her movements were received.