BRITISH PUBLIC DISMAY AT BOMBING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 126, 31 May 1938, Page 7

BRITISH PUBLIC DISMAY AT BOMBING.

CIVILIAN DEATHS.

Concern Reflected in House Of Commons.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN QUESTIONED

British Official Wireless.

(Received 1 p.m.)

RUGBY, May 30.

The public dismay at N 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 in the House of Commons on February 2, declaring that the growing horror of aerial bombardment of defenceless civilians should be expressed in in 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 a form in which it could advantageously De submitted to other Governments.

"At the same time 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 no use putting before other Governments crude or unprepared proposals on the matter which gave rise to very great difficulties.

The Government was seeking to get a 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. Bombing at Alicante. Other questions concerned the bombing of Alicante, Spain. Mr. Chamberlain, replying, recalled that Britain had, on more than one occasion, had expressed to both sides in Spain its profound concern at intensification of aerial bombardment resulting in serious loss of civilian life, and had drawn attention to the universally accepted principle that aerial bombardment of militaryobjectives was alone admissable.

"While I have not sufficient information at my disposal to judge what were the objectives on this occasion, I desire to take this opportunity of repeating how profoundly Britain . deplores the maiming and deaths of defenceless civilians," he added.