§ 46. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister why His Majesty's Government sent the British Fleet to Alexandria?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn accordance with the programme for its autumn cruise the Mediterranean Fleet was due to leave Malta on 29th August and proceed to ports in the Eastern Mediterranean. A number of visits to Italian ports were also included. In view, however, of the hostile Press campaign against this country, which was then in progress in Italy, it became clear that visits to Italian ports would not be opportune, and it was consequently decided to confine the cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean. The Fleet left Malta for its cruise on its original programme date. The whole of the Fleet has never been at Alexandria, but in view of the limited number of suitable ports in the Eastern Mediterranean it has been necessary for a considerable proportion to remain there, as Alexandria is the only port capable of accommodating a large number of ships under winter conditions. Individual squadrons have, however, periodically made short cruises in neighbouring waters.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman one question? Would not the Fleet be safer if it were actually in the Suez Canal so that any Italian bombs would do equal injury to the British Navy and Italian communications?
§ Mr. MANDERMay I ask the Prime Minister whether it is the policy of the Government to use the British Fleet if necessary, or to run away?