§ Mr. RONALD McNEILLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has any official information that a German Naval Mission was sent, some weeks ago, to Kronstadt and has taken complete control of the arsenal there; whether there is reason to believe that German submarines are being built. or are intended to be built, at Kronstadt in violation or evasion of the Treaty of Versailles: whether certain Russian first-class battle cruisers and other vessels of war are being manned by German naval officers and crews; whether these Russian ships are engaged in, or are about to engage in, man œuvres in the Baltic; and whether the possible menace to the peace of Europe of these proceedings is being considered by the Admiralty?
§ Mr. AMERYThe answers to the first four parts of the question are in the negative, though, as regards the fourth part, it is believed certain man œ uvres are intended or are taking place. The sending of a mission as suggested in the first part of the question would be in contravention of Article 179 of the Treaty of Versailles. As regards the last part of the question, the consideration, from the naval point of view, of every possible menace to the peace of Europe, is part of the normal duty of the Admiralty.