ARMS QUESTION

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1933, Page 5

ARMS QUESTION

THE BRITISH PLAN FOR ABOLISHING AIR BOMBING. (United Press Association—By Electric . 'Telegraph—Copyright). GENEVA, May 28. The British proposal for. the. complete abolition of aerial bombardment, except for police purposes in outlying regions, passed the first reading by the General Commission of the Disarmament Conference, but the reservation produced a, storm. The opinion was sarcastically expressed that the intention was to reserve police bombing for citizens within a country’s own frontiers. It was wondered why remote regions were to enjoy the fruits of civilisation in which those nearer a metropolis were not to participate. Among others condemning the bombardment, was Dr. Koo, who instanced China’s suffering as the result of foreign raids,

Mr Wilson '(America) declared that America believed the abolition must bfe absolute; unqualified and Universal, “We - mtist capitalise thfe growing cpnvictitm that bombing was a Prime. Any exceptions would violate that moral force.”

Herr Nadolny said that Germany was;'prepared to go to all possible lengths to prevent civil planes being used, for military purposes. . ■ Captain Eden explained the necessity for bombing unruly tribes, where otherwise the employment of numbers of troops would result in increase in casualties. Moreover, warning of such raids usually given, sufficed. He was of the opinion that the exception would be dangerous particularly for those living in regions where Britain had recently decreased their responsibilities. He did ' not think that Iraq would abandon the possibility of resorting to bombing. Britain would be prepared to say which regions were involved in the exception. He emphasised that if the Commission -accepted the British figures, ' tile air : forces would be reduced by fifty per cent GENEVA: RESULTS DOUBTED; ; BY BRITISH ADMIRAL. • ■■■»•:■ t '>■ -i , * ;: LONDON. May 28 ' Admiral- Sir Roger Keyes, speaking at a gathering of Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Old. in' London, said ! : “Sentimental politicians are d(v ing their best'to dissipate, the Empire for which we have fought. Some of us are wondering where it will end. especially when we find at Geneva hoW anxious everyone appears to be to ensure Britain is first to disarm, while other nations are husily aiming.' The eld scriptural injunction *A strong man armed kedp6th. tlfe peace’ should not be forgotten by England tb-tlfly,’ !; :