Punitive Bombing on The North-west Frontiers

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 105, 5 May 1937, Page 4

Punitive Bombing on The North-west Frontiers

TRIBESMEN HAVE AMPLE NOTICE. (British Official Wireless.) Received Tuesday, 7.30 p.m. RUGBY, May 3. In the case of aerial bombardments on the north-west frontier of India ample opportunities are always given by the dropping of warning notices Jjx the evacuation of areas under bombardment and areas of safety are notified. This assurance was part of a House of Commons answer by tho Undersecretary for India, Mr. B. A. Butler, regarding the use of aircraft in cooperation with land forces in TTaziristan. He added; “As far as is known no casualties have been caused to noncombatants, no dams or reservoirs have been destroyed and the damage to crops is negligible.” Speaking inoro generally, Mr. Butler said tho policy of the Government of India was to maintain peace on flic border and to enter into good relations with the tribes with a view to their gradual civilisation and economic betterment. The present operations to restore peace and order had been necessitated by the activities of raiding gangs against tho inhabitants of British India and frequent attacks on British forces and communications.