Africa.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 5, 6 May 1915, Page 6

Africa.

j GERMANS POISON THE WELLS. ORDERS TO SPREAD DISEASE. Dsited Pbesb Association. (‘Received 1.55 a.m.) London, May 5. The Colonial Office’s communique states; When Swakopniund "as occupied on 14th January* it was discovered that six wells had been poisoned by arsenic, and all the cattle dip bags were full, and poison was found at the wells. General Botha addressed Frankc, the German commander, pointing out that this was a breach of Article 23 of the Hague Convention, and if the practice was persisted in he (Botha) would hold the officers responsible, and would employ reprisals. ■Franke replied that salt had proved ineffective, therefore he used more effective methods to compel the enemy to carry water. General Botha replied, repeating his intention to hold the officer commanding responsible. The Hon. L. V. Harcourt, Colonial Secretary, adds: Since then, the Germans systematically poisoned the wells, and the patrol at Gabib also instructed to thoroughly infect the Ida mine with disease.