THE CONVOY DISASTER.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14611, 16 January 1918, Page 5

THE CONVOY DISASTER.

ESCORT AND COVERING FORCES

EXONERATED,

STATEMENT BY SIR ERIC GEDDES,

(Router's Telegrams.)

(Received Jan. 15, 11.35 p.m.) London, Jan. 14. In tlie House of Commons, Sir Eric Geddes, First Lord of tho Admiralty, stated that the Admiralty had confirmed the finding of the Court of Inquiry that the escorting vessels did their best to protect the Scandinavian convoy, which was attacked as reported on December 17th.' The escort fought in a proper and seamanlike manner. The covering forces took all possible steps to come to their assistance and prevent the escape of the enemy. The Board were of opinion that the circumstances preventing the covering forces from arriving in time were unpreventible. Admiral Sir David Beatty's disposition was the best possible with the available forces.