Britain, France Will Fight “Civilised” War

Northern Advocate, 4 September 1939, Page 7

Britain, France Will Fight “Civilised” War

LONDON, September 2. The Foreign Office has issued a joint declaration stating that the British and French Governments solemnly affirm their intention, should war he forced upon them, to conduct hostilities with a firm desire to spate civilian populations and preserve all monuments of civilisation. ,

They therefore welcome President Roosevelt’s appeal regarding air bombing, and have replied in terms of their affirmation.

Artillery bombardments will exclude such objects as large \irban” areas outside the battle zone. > The Submarine Protocol of 1936 will be honoured, and aircraft employed. against merchant ships only in conformity with the recognised rules of belligerency. •.. / , Gas and bacteriological warfare will not be waged. ■' . Germany’s Undertaking. Germany will be, asked whether she is willing to give an assurance to the same effect. » , ’ “It will, of course, be understood that in the event of the enemy not observing any of the restrictions which Britain and France hpve thus imposed on the operations of thenarmed forces, these Governments reserve the right to 'take all 'such actions as they may consider appropriate,” says the statement. Hitler’s Reply tc Roosevelt. Herr Hitler’s reply to Mr Roosevelt said: “The bombing of non-mili-tary objectives accords with my view-; point, and therefore I agree unconditionally to the proposal that Govern-, ments participating in the 'I present, hostilities should give'a public declaration to that effect. . “I have already ordered that action ; is to be restricted to military objectives. but the continuance of the order depends upon the compliance of our opponents.”. ; ;

The Polish Government stated that Polish civilian losses had already made Germany’s compliance with Mr Roosevelt’s request doubtful.

An Italian Embassy attache notified the United States Government orally that, since Italy “would not take any initiative in military operations,” the matter of aerial bombing of civilian populations did not concern Italy. '