ABSTRACT
In early September 1913, Robbins was summoned with Brade by Greene’s deputy, OAR Murray, 40 to be told of an imminent announcement by the First Lord of a reshuffle, between private and public yards, of Torpedo Boat Destroyer construction work. Churchill did not however want these changes reported by the Press in such a way as to imply an acceleration of the building programme, ‘which might cause misunderstanding abroad’. A paragraph to the Press had been prepared accordingly, and Robbins was asked whether he would be prepared to issue it on behalf of the Committee. He agreed to do so, suggesting only that it should be sent out 24 hours before the Ministerial announcement.
