§ 45. Commander Sir Archibald Southbyasked the Prime Minister whether the Italian fleet which surrendered to the Allies is being employed under the Italian flag with the ships still owned by the Italian Government, or whether any number of them and, if so, how many, have been ceded to the U.S.A., Russia or Great Britain.
§ 46. Rear-Admiral Sir Murray Sueterasked the Prime Minister whether the Allied Governments have finally decided to transfer any portion of the Italian fleet to Russia; if so, what class of ships and how many will be transferred.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)I would refer my hon. and gallant Friends to the statement which I made on this subject on Thursday last to which at present I have nothing to add.
§ Sir A. SouthbyCan my right hon. Friend say whether we have transferred or contemplate transferring any British naval ships to Russia and, if so, whether their places in the British Fleet will be taken by Italian ships whether under the Italian or British flags?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not desire to add in any way to the statement I made the other day.
§ Sir A. SouthbyCan my right hon. Friend say when he is likely to be able to make another statement on this subject?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is difficult for me to forecast the future in that respect.