NAVY ON ALERT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23316, 8 April 1939, Page 13

NAVY ON ALERT

FIRST LORD'S SPEECH INTERPRETED WRONGLY MEANING EXPLAINED STATEMENT BY PREMIER I _____ By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless LONDON, April 5 The statement attributed to Earl Stanhope, First Lord of the Admiralty, implying that special measures had been taken last njght in the Navy to man anti-aircraft guns, caused some sensation in the press to-day, and was the subject of a great deal of misrepresentation in certain quarters abroad. The matter was put in its proper perspective in the House of Commons in a statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain. Replying to a question by Mr. Arthur Greenwood, deputy leader of the Labour Party, Mr. Chamberlain said: "I have seen Lord Stanhope this morning and he explained to me the circumstances in which his remarks were made, which apparently created some sensation. The occasion was the initiation of a new scheme in connection with showing films in the Navy. "My noble friend's speech was unpremeditated, and it is quite untrue as suggested, that he invited the press to give special prominence to it. Normal Practice during Tension

"In the course of his remarks, my noble friend drew attention to the fact that there was not a full attendance as some of the men had been retained on board their own ships in readiness to man their guns as has been the normal practice in time of tension. No other orders have been given by the Admiralty than that this practice should not be relaxed, even on so special an occasion." Mr. Chamberlain then dealt with the circumstances in which the newspapers were officially requested to abstain from publishing Lord Stanhope's reported remarks. "I was informed in the course of the evening," said the Prime Minister, "that considerable comment had been aroused by an earlier report on the wireless of what my noble friend had said. I understood this report had not been broadcast in this country, though it had been on the Empire broadcast. No Cause lor Any Sensation

"Since it seemed to me likely to be treated, as in fact it has been treated, as a sensational matter, whereas there was no reason or foundation for any sensation," continued Mr. Chamberlain, "I gave directions that the press should be asked not to publish the account of Lord Stanhope's speech or, if they did publish it, not to ascribe to it any particular importance. "Apparently my efforts to spare the public unnecessary agitation were not altogether successful, but the incident will at any rate have served to demonstrate the constant readiness of the Navy for all eventualities." Minister's Efficiency not Affected Mr. Greenwood suggested that Mr. Chamberlain was making light of a serious business and asked whether he considered Lord Stanhope fit to hold an important post. Mr. Chamberlain replied: Lord Stanhope expressed great regret that his words, which perhaps were not very happily chosen, should have given rise to so much comment and so much unnecessary alarm. "I do not think it affects Lord Stanhope's efficiency, with which I am perfectly satisfied." Lord Stanhope Expresses Regret

Sir Archibald Sinclair, Liberal leader, suggested that Mr. Chamberlain's action in interfering with the freedom of the press ensured redoubled publicity all over tho world. He asked if it was not better to leave tho press to conduct its own business without interference from tho Prime Minister. Mr. Chamberlain replied: "I think it appropriate for the Government from time to time to make requests to the press. I have always found tho press ready to comply. I must take tho blame for my action not producing tho effect I wanted, which was to prevent unnecessary public agitation." Lord Stanhope himself made a statement in the House of Lords on lines similar to Mr. Chamberlain's, at the conclusion of which he said: "I can only express my keen regret that any remarks of mine, emphasising the readiness of the Navy to meet all eventualities, even when, as now, Easter leave is being given, should have added to the work of Mr. Chamberlain or caused concern to anyone else."