§ 2. Mr. Edward Evansasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why vessels of the Royal Navy have been instructed to protect five Japanese fishing fleets, manned by Japanese crews, during fishing operations off the Siberian coast next year.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasNo such instructions have been issued.
§ Mr. EvansHas the right hon. Gentleman read the copy of the "Fishing News" which I sent to him? Would he, in consequence of his answer, consult the Foreign Secretary in order to give a categorical denial to the rumour, which has been published and displayed in one of the most responsible of the fishing newspapers? Is he aware that his answer will give a great deal of satisfaction to reasonable people everywhere?
§ Mr. ThomasI hope that the answer I have given this morning will be a sufficient denial. Not only have no instructions of this kind been issued, but we do not intend to issue such instructions in the future.