BOMBS FROM AIR

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 124, 29 May 1933, Page 7

BOMBS FROM AIR

PROPOSED ABOLITION

EXCEPT FOR " POLICE " PURPOSES

GENEVA, May 27. The British proposal for the complete abolition of aerial bombardment, except for police purposes in outlying regions, passed the first reading at the General Commission Disarmament Conference, but the reservation produced a storm. Thfe opinion was sarcastically expressed that the intention was to reserve police bombing for citizens within a country's own frontiers. One delegate wondered why remote regions were to enjoy the fruits of civilisation in which those nearer the metropolis were not, to participate. Among others who condemned aerial bombardment was Dr. Koo, who instanced China's sufferings as a result of foreign raids. Mr. Wilson, an American delegate, declared- that America believed the abolition of aerial bombing must be absolute, unqualified, and universal. "We must capitalise the growing conviction that bombing is a crime," he said. "Any exceptions would violate that moral force." Herr Nadolny said that Germany was prepared to go to all possible lengths to prevent civil aeroplanes being used for military purposes. Captain Eden (Great Britain) explained the necessity for bombing unruly tribes. This prevented the employment of numbers of troops resulting in increased casualties. Moreover, the warning of such raids usually sufficed. He was of opinion that any exception would be dangerous', particularly for those living in regions where Great Britain had recently decreased her responsibilities. He did not think Irak would abandon the possibility of resorting to bombing. Great Britain would be prepared to say which regions would be involved in the exception. He emphasised that if the Commission accepted the British figures, air forces would bo reduced 50 per cent.