SIZE AND EQUIPMENT.

HC Deb 24 July 1929 vol 230 cc1277-8

31. Mr. MANDER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in deciding on the size and equipment of the British Navy, it is the intention of the Government to rule out entirely the United States of America as a possible enemy; and whether instructions to this effect have been given to the Admiralty?

Mr. ALEXANDER

While it would not be in the public interest to give any indication as to the necessarily secret instructions which guide the Admiralty in matters of defence, I think I shall not be accused of an indiscretion if I repeat, as interpreting the attitude of the present Government, the words of the late Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who said on 8th February, 1928, that preparation for a war with the United States has never been and never will he the basis of our policy in anything.