PUBLIC SURPRISE

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 65, 17 March 1928, Page 9

PUBLIC SURPRISE

LACK OF INFORMATION ADMIRALTY'S ATTITUDE LONDON, 16th March. Tho Navy sensation broke out late and took Parliament and newspapers by surprise. It is understood that Commander Bellairs had no information of his own when he asked the question. He merely wished to give the Govornment an opportunity, if necessary, of correcting unofficial reports. These were based ou the Central News Agency telegram, which; however, was much more guarded than the rumours being circulated. Tho "Daily Express" lobbyist states that he is able to confirm the report that thero has been trouble on the j Royal Oak, the precise nature of which is unknown in London, owing to somo interruption in the wiroless communication, but the Admiralty has reason to believe that Commander Bellairs' account is exaggerated. It is known, however, that thero has been a difficulty such as would necessitate an inquiry, although there is no evidence that a court-martial has been necessary. Late last night an official of the' Admiralty said that ho was entirely without information and inclined to regard the reports of a mutiny as incredible. "Our1 last message from tho Royal Oak was on Wednesday, when she was nearing Gibraltar. She ought to be there now." Commander Bollairs, in tho lobby, said that he was surprised at Lieuten-ant-Colonel. Hoadlam's answer, which was an equivocal way of doaling with the matter.