GROWING HORROR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23515, 1 June 1938, Page 9

GROWING HORROR

AERIAL BOMBARDMENTS PROFOUND CONCERN IN BRITAIN MOVE TO SECURE AGREEMENT (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Convright) RUGBY, May 30. The public dismay at the news from Spain and the Far East of heavy civilian casualties as the result of bombing from the air was reflected in questions addressed in the House of Commons to the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain). The Prime Minister was asked what steps had been taken to give effect to the House’s unanimous resolution on February 2, declaring its growing horror of aerial bombardment of defenceless civilians, which should be expressed in international agreement to co-operate in its prohibition. 1 The Government’s reply stated that the question was being most carefully studied by the departments concerned, with a view to overcoming the many technical and legal difficulties involved, but it had not yet reached a form in which it could advantageously be 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 international agreement. It was 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 the 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 of Alicante Other questions concerned the bombing of Alicante. Mr Chamberlain, replying, recalled that Britain had had on more than one occasion to express to both sides in Spain its profound concern at the intensification of aerial bombardment resulting in serious loss of civilian life, and had drawn attention to the universally accepted principle that aerial bombardment of military objectives was alone admissible. “ While I ■ have not sufficient information at my disposal to judge what were the objectives on this occasion,” Mr Chamberlain said. “I desire to take this opportunity of repeating how profoundly Britain deplores the maiming and deaths of defenceless civilians.”