GERMAN SOUTH-WEST AFRICA.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13771, 7 May 1915, Page 5

GERMAN SOUTH-WEST AFRICA.

THE BARBAROUS GERMAN,

WELLS POISONED WITH ARSENIC.

A COLONIAL OFFICE STATEMENT.

I London, May 5. A Colonial Office communique states that when Swakopmund, in German South-West Africa, was occupied on January 14th it was discovered that six wells had been poisoned with arsenical cattle dip. Bags full of the poisou were found at the wells.

General Botha addressed Franke, the German commander, pointing out the breach of' Article XXIII. of The Hague Convention, and stating that if the practice" was persisted in he would hold the officers responsible, and would employ reprisals. ■

Franke replied that salt had proved ineffective, and therefore he had msed more effective- methods to compel the enemy to carry water.

General Botha replied repeating his intention to hold the officer commanding responsible.

Mr. Harconrt adds that since then the Germans had systematically poisoned wells. A patrol at Galib was also instructed to thoroughly infect the Ida mine with disease.