South American Squadron.

Oral Answers to Questions — Royal Navy. – in the House of Commons at on 15 June 1921.

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Photo of Viscount  Curzon Viscount Curzon , Battersea South

15.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Committee of Imperial Defence was consulted prior to the withdrawal of the squadron from the south-east coast of America; and how it is proposed that the duties previously carried out by this squadron shall be discharged?

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Leo Amery Lieut-Colonel Leo Amery , Birmingham Sparkbrook

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, the Admiralty will endeavour, whenever necessity arise, to arrange for a ship or ships from one of the other stations to visit South American waters.

Photo of Viscount  Curzon Viscount Curzon , Battersea South

Do I understand that the Committee of Imperial Defence was not consulted at all before this change was made in the disposition of ships? Is it not the practice of the Admiralty to consult that Committee before such changes are made?

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Leo Amery Lieut-Colonel Leo Amery , Birmingham Sparkbrook

No; I do not think the Committee of Imperial Defence is consulted upon disposition, but it is consulted on great fundamental questions.

Photo of Mr Carlyon Bellairs Mr Carlyon Bellairs , Maidstone

Is not the important question whether the War Staff concurred in this change? I presume they did?