A House of Lords speech proposes strengthening naval defense through ocean-going passenger liners. The speaker wanted the Admiralty to place guns aboard British ships and encourage companies to carry men trained to operate them. His case rested on a report that major foreign lines already transported large guns ready for rapid installation. The proposal shows how auxiliary commerce protection entered debate around the 1889 program before its practical assumptions were examined.
Chapter · 9:19-10:26
Parliament proposes armed ocean liners as naval auxiliaries
A House of Lords proposal calls for British liners to carry guns and trained men, based on reports that foreign shipping companies were already preparing merchant vessels for war.