HC Deb 18 February 1943 vol 386 c1948
76. Mr. Thorne

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the strength of the French Navy at the present time, battleships, cruisers, destroyers and seaplane carriers?

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Captain Pilkington)

I presume that my hon. Friend has in mind the number of French naval units now fighting on the side of the United Nations. They represent a most welcome addition to our Naval Forces, but I am afraid it would be contrary to the public interest to give details of their strength and composition.