MURDER BY BOMB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 May 1938, Page 7

MURDER BY BOMB

QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS RECENT RESOLUTION RECALLED POSITION OF GOVERNMENT OUTLINED. “MANY TECHNICAL AND LEGAL DIFFICULTIES.” (British Official Wireless.) (Recd This Day, 10.53 a.m.) RUGBY, May 30. Public dismay at the news from Spain and the Far East of heavy civilian casualties as a result of aerial bombing is reflected in questions addressed in the House of Commons to Mr Chamberlain. The Premier was asked what steps had been taken to give effect to the House of Commons’ unanimous resolution on February 2 declaring that the growing horror at the aerial bombardment of defenceless civilians should be expressed in an international agreement to co-operate in its prohibition.

The Government, in reply, stated that |he question was being most carefully studied by the Departments concerned, with a view to overcoming the many technical and legal difficulties involved, but it had not yet reached a form in which it could advantageously be submitted to other governments.

“At the same time,” it was added. “Britain has not failed to make clear its views about the bombardment of civilian populations and has approached France and the Vatican.” Answering supplementary questions, Mr Chamberlain said that what was desired was an international agreement. It was of no use putting before other governments crude or unprepared proposals on a matter which gave rise to very great difficulties. The Government was seeking to get the proposition into a form in which it would have a chance of acceptance by other governments and when it succeeded it would be in a position to invite other Governments to consider the proposal.