TO ABOLISH BOMBING

Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1933, Page 7

TO ABOLISH BOMBING

FIRST READING AT GENEVA STORM OVER RESERVATION Rec. 11.30 p.m. Geneva, May 28. The British proposal for the complete abolition of aerial bombardment except for police purposes in outlying regions passed the first reading by the General Commission of the Disarmament Conference to-day, but the reservation produced a storm, the opinion being sarcastically expressed that the intention was to reserve police bombing for citizens with a country’s own frontiers. It was wondered why remote regions were to enjoy the fruits of civilisation in which those nearer a metropolis were not to participate. Among others condemning aerial bombardment was Mr. Wellington Koo (China), who instanced China’s sufferings as a result of foreign raids. Mr. Wilson, an American delegate, declared America believed the abolition of aerial bombardment 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 Germany was prepared to go to all possible lengths to prevent civil planes being used for military purposes.

Mr. R. A. Eden (Britain) explained the necessity for bombing unruly tribes. It prevented the employment of numbers of troops resulting in increased casualties. . Moreover, the warning of such raids usually given sufficed. He was of the opinion that the exception would be dangerous, particularly for those living in regions where Britain had recently decreased it responsibilities. He did not think Iraq would abandon the possibility of resorting to bombing. Britain would be prepared to say which regions were to be involved in the exception. He emphasised if the Commission accepted British figures air forces would be reduced by 50 per cent.