§ 52. Mr. Cocksasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has any information regarding the establishment of a German submarine base in the Canary Islands and of a coal and oil depot in the Bissago Archipelago off the coast of Portuguese Guinea?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Shakespeare)I have no in formation which bears out the suggestion that a German submarine base has been established in the Canary Islands. A German company has been operating in the Bissagos Archipelago for some years, and, as this firm is connected with the palm oil industry, their installation naturally includes oil reservoirs.
§ Mr. CocksWill the hon. Gentleman consider sending one of His Majesty's vessels on a voyage of discovery to the Canary Islands?
§ Mr. A. V. AlexanderIs it not well known to the Admiralty that for the last two years, not only at the Canary Islands but at Cadiz, German submarines have been constantly there, and are particularly familiar with what may be necessary to set up bases?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI have said that we have no information on the subject.