§ Sir S. Reedasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has further information of the gallant action when the Royal Indian Navy minesweeper "Bengal" sank a Japanese raider, with the assistance of the Dutch tanker, "Ondina," in the Indian Ocean; and has he any statement to make on the work of the Indian Navy in eastern waters?
Mr. AlexanderI am not able at present to add anything to the full account published of this gallant action. As regards the second part of the Question, I am glad to take this opportunity of expressing the highest appreciation of the efficient and wholehearted co-operation of1326W the Royal Indian Navy. The part played by H.M.I.S. "Bengal" in this action against two heavily armed raiders, one of which was destroyed, is clear evidence of the quality of the Royal Indian Navy, whose service and loyal support in the war at sea have been of the utmost value.