HC Deb 04 December 1946 vol 431 c97W
101. Sir R. Ross

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty for what reason H.M.S. "Aurora" has been transferred to the Chinese Navy.

Mr. Dugdale

As stated by the First Lord in this House on 23rd January, His Majesty's Government have undertaken to lend the Chinese Navy certain warships, including one cruiser. H.M.S. "Aurora" has been selected as the cruiser to be lent, but has not yet been transferred. The date of transfer will depend upon when the Chinese crew, who are being trained in this country, are ready to take over. This promise for the loan of warships was made in response to a request by the Chinese Government in October, 1944; the original reason for it was to enable the Chinese Fleet to take an effective part in the war against Japan, but we hope that the ship will assist in the postwar reconstruction of the Chinese Navy and consolidate the association, which has continued over 70 years, between the Royal Navy and the Chinese Navy.