HC Deb 28 April 1926 vol 194 cc2031-2
4. Colonel ENGLAND

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Turkish Government has granted a concession to a private firm to raise the wrecks of a certain number of the Allied warships sunk in the Dardanelles; which are the British vessels concerned; whether any British officers or men were lost in the vessels; and, if so, what steps are being taken to ensure proper treatment of the remains which may be discovered?

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

I have been asked by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to reply. My right hon. Friend is informed that the Turkish Government have granted to a private firm a concession for raising and breaking up all Turkish arid enemy vessels sunk in territorial waters. The British vessels lost in the Dardanelles are: Battleships: "Irresistible," "Ocean, Goliath," "Triumph," "Majestic. Destroyers: "Louis," "Arno. Submarines: "E.15," "A.E.2," "E.7, E.20," "E.I4. Monitors: "M.30," "Raglan," "M.28. Minesweeper: "Hythe. Tug: "Marsden. Trawlers: "Okino," "Balmedie, Lundy," "Renarro. A number of British officers and men were lost in these vessels.

While my right hon. Friend has no doubt that the Turkish Government have done or will do what is necessary and proper, he is addressing His Majesty's Ambassador in Turkey on the subject.