HC Deb 20 February 1929 vol 225 cc1106-7
18. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is in possession of any details regarding the proposed new 10,000 ton German armoured vessels; and can he give their proposed armament, speed, and radius of action?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

No information beyond what has appeared in the Press is available in the Admiralty.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is not the Admiralty entitled to certain information under the Treaty of Versailles about the details of these ships?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

There is nothing in the description that appears in the Press which is inconsistent with the Treaty of Versailles.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Yes, but we do not rely on the Press, do we? Do the Admiralty rely on Press statements only, or have we any other means of ascertaining if the Treaty is being observed?

Commander BELLAIRS

Is not the hon. and gallant Member right in thinking that every detail of armament has got to be communicated?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I cannot answer that question offhand, but I am pretty certain that we are correct in supposing that the Treaty has not been in any way infringed.

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