HC Deb 21 April 1926 vol 194 cc1184-5
5. Captain FAIRFAX

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to state fully the circumstances under which the British schooner"Eastwood"was bombarded by the United States of America revenue cutter "Seneca"; whether the incident took place outside the 12-mile limit; and what representations have been made to the United States Government?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

On 23rd February His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington requested the United States Government to institute inquiries into the circumstances attending the incident in which this Canadian vessel was involved. On 22nd March, at the request of the Canadian Government, Sir Esmé Howard communicated to the United States Government a protest by the owner of the vessel against the action of the United States revenue cutter, and a marine protest of the master and crew of the vessel, together with other relevant documents. In this second Note Sir Esmé Howard requested that he might be notified of the results of the investigations into the matter by the United States Government at the earliest possible moment. No report on the matter has so far been received from the United States Government, and I am therefore rot in a position to state fully the circumstances in which the"Eastwood"appears to have been bombarded, nor at what distance from the shore the incident took place.

Colonel APPLIN

Was the vessel hit?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I am afraid I cannot say, without notice, whether she was hit or not.

Captain FAIRFAX

Will the circumstances be communicated to the House as soon as they are known?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

When I am in fall possession of all the facts, I shall be glad to answer further questions. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will communicate with me as to when I shall be in a position to give him an answer.