MR. GLADSTONEI wish to put a Question to the hon. Member for East Surrey with regard to his Notice of Motion as to the rules for the conduct of War on Land. As it refers particularly to a proceeding which my hon. Friend wishes to urge upon the Government I am bound to say I do not think would be possible at this moment, when two of the greatest Powers of Europe are about to engage in negotiations for the settlement of definitive terms of peace, even if all difficulties were removed 1984 out of the way, for Her Majesty's Government to take any such step as my hon. Friend has in view. Though the question of the rules of war by land is one not unfitted to be introduced to the notice of the House at a seasonable time, Her Majesty's Government are of opinion that, founded as it probably would be at this moment on the recital of facts which might be very much contested, and which would be of a character very difficult to handle without giving pain or offence on one side or on both, such a discussion might be somewhat prejudicial to the cause my hon. Friend has at heart?
§ MR. BUXTONsaid, he could not think of refusing to accede to the wish of the right hon. Gentleman. He would therefore postpone the Motion until after Easter. The subject was one of the greatest importance, and he fully intended to take the greatest care in handling it.