BARBARIC DEEDS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 195, 31 May 1938, Page 5

BARBARIC DEEDS

BOMBING OF CIVILIANS. GROWING HORROR IN BRITAIN. ACCEPTABLE PROPOSAL SOUGHT. (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, May 30. The public dismay at the news from Spain and the Far East of heavy civilian casualties as the result of aerial bombing was reflected in questions addressed in the House of Commons to Mr Chamberlain. The Prime Minister was asked what steps had been taken to give effect to the unanimous resolution of the House on February 2 declaring that the growing horror at the aerial bombardment of defenceless civilians should bo expressed in an international agreement to co-operate in its prohibition. The Government reply stated that the question was being most carefully studied by the departments concerned with a view to overcoming many technical and legal difficulties involved, but it had not yet reached the form in which it could advantageously be submitted to other Governments.

“At the same time,’’ said Mr Chamberlain, “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 a proposition into a form in which it might' 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.—British Official Wireless.