§ 8. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the present whereabouts of what is known as the Wrangel Fleet, which was interned at Bizerta; and whether France, prior to agreeing to surrender this fleet to the Soviet Government, communicated with this country or has communicated any conditions made in regard to the matter?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe ships are still at Bizerta. Before recognising the Soviet Government, the French Government informed His Majesty's Government that recognition would entail the handing over of these vessels. I am not aware of any conditions attaching to the transfer.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs it not desirable that conditions should be made, in view of the fact that it will profoundly modify the balance of sea power as regards Poland and Rumania?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI cannot, at Question Time, enter into a discussion with my hon. and gallant Friend as to how far these particular ships profoundly modify the balance of naval power anywhere. My information does not lead me to attach very great importance to their naval strength, but in any case that is a matter for the French Government.