ABSTRACT
The Board of Admiralty had decided its policy towards subsidies and merchant cruisers on 21 May 1903, largely adopting proposals submitted by Battenberg. The Admiralty believed that the agreements were binding, and one company, White Star Line (WSL), agreed that they were so; the Admiralty was paying the subvention. At the start of the century, the issue of subsidies to British steamers was under continual review, and involved the Admiralty, Board of Trade, Colonial Office and Post Office. The Select Committee reported on 3 December 1902. Its 'opinions' were consistent with those of Camperdown. There was no case for subsidies other than for services rendered. The Admiralty had advised the Select Committee that an efficient merchant marine was necessary in the event of war to act as a reserve in supplying suitable vessels. The evidence before the Select Committee demonstrated a strategic awareness of the importance of communications to a maritime empire.
