UNRESTRICTED WARFARE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20910, 15 September 1939, Page 9

UNRESTRICTED WARFARE

BOMBING OF OPEN TOWNS FEELING OF HORROR THROUGHOUT WORLD DETERMINATION OF BRITAIN REMOVE MENACE (Official Wireless) (Received Sept. 15, 11.0 a.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 14 The announcement from Herr Hitler’s headquarters of the intention to bomb open towns in Poland, in defiance of international law and of the Fuehrer’s own solemn undertaking, has roused a feeling of horror in Britain, which press reports indicate is shared by civilised countries throughout the world. The Daily Telegraph says: “For once Herr Hitler is frank. The German armies’ adherence to the rules of civilised warfare lasted less than a fortnight.” Mr Chamberlain, in the House of Commons, after endorsing Viscount Halifax’s statement that the restrictions which Britain and France proposed to observe were based on similar restraint being shown by the enemy, added: “Whatever be the lengths to which others may go Britain will never resort to a deliberate attack on women, children and other civilians for the purpose of mere terrorism. If action of the kind suggested in the German announcement is taken it will inevitably further strengthen the resolve of ourselves and our allies so to conduct our policy and so prosecute the war as to ensure that the menace which we are fighting, of which this threat may be another manifestation, is finally removed.”

BROKEN PROMISES NAZIB’ BOMBING OF TOWNB BRITISH RETALIATORY METHODS United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 15, 3.30 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 14 Mr Chamberlain, in the ‘House of Commons, condemned llerr Hitler's avowed intention of bombing open towns, which is a fiat contradiction of his promise, and repeated Viscount Halifax’s declaration that British and French restraint is conditional on similar restraint by Germany. Consequently Britain Is free to take any action deemed necessary if it is not observed. His statement that Britain would never resort to deliberate attacks on women, children and other civilians for the mere purpose of spreading terrorism was greeted with cheers. Mr Chamberlain added: “In the meantime we must remember that our strategy and tactics must at all stages be governed by one consideration and one only—namely, the most effective prosecution of the war.” Use of Poison Gas Viscount Halifax, in the House of Lords, said: “Germany notified Britain that she intended to observe throughout the war the prohibition concerning the use of poisonous gas, asphyxiating gas and bacteriological methods of warfare, which formed a subject at Geneva. The provisions of the proctocol had been infringed by the enemy. Viscount Halifax added that Herr Hitler, in reply to Mr Roosevelt’s appeal, said he would refrain from bombing non-military objectives under all circumstances. HUMANE WARFARE RESTRAINT OF BELLIQERENTB AWAITING TIME FOR PEACE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 15, 11.30 a.m.) ROME, Sept. 14 The Pope, in receiving the new Belgian Ambassador, declared: “We must do our utmost to restrain the belligerent nations within the bounds of humane warfare till the time for effecting an honourable peace for all.”

THE WAR SITUATION STATEMENT BY LORD BNELL GERMANS AFRAID OF TRUTHS (Official Wireless) (Received Sept. 15, 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 14 In the House of Lords, Lord Snell, commented on yesterday’s Government statement in both Houses on the war situation. Speaking of the outbreak of war he said the position of the German submarines indicated, in his view, that Germany, had prepared to strike

at a particular time. “ We may think, I hope, that the initial advantage will quickly pass away.” The leaflet raid over Germany, Lord flnell said, had been a success so great that the German Government, apparently afraid of the truth, decreed a threat of death to anyone even picking up a leaflet. The clear vision of the British people put the responsibility for the war precisely where it lay—upon a group of adventurers who had obtained rule and power in Germany.

The British Home Office announce: that cinemas will open from 10 a.m till 10 p.m. everywhere, except in Ihi West End, where they will open onl; till 6 p.m.