§ 42. Mr. Thorneasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is satisfied that the German Government are carrying out the Anglo-German Naval Agreement of 18th June, 1935; if the Government have made known their naval armaments programme for 1938–39 to the German Government; and what additional naval power that will give to the German Navy?
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Duff Cooper)The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that the tonnage allowed to the German Navy under the Anglo-German Agreement of 1935 depends on the total tonnage of the aggregate naval forces of the British Commonwealth of Nations, which is not necessarily dependent upon the annual building programme.
§ Mr. ThorneDo I understand from the First Lord that if the Government decide to build more battleships they inform the German Government, andvice versa?
§ Mr. CooperYes, that is the case; we keep the German Government informed of our naval programme.
§ Mr. ThorneDo they let us know what they are doing?
§ Mr. CooperYes, Sir.
§ Mr. A. V. AlexanderHave the German Government notified any intention to build in ratio to the new battleship programme of the British programme?
§ Mr. CooperThe German Government have not yet laid down the battleships which they are entitled to lay down in accordance with the treaty.