§ SIR G. CAMPBELLI wish to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Officers engaged in the Naval Manœuvres are claiming to have "laid towns in ashes "and are exacting indemnities from them; and whether he will take steps to introduce into the rules of maritime warfare the more merciful rules that appertain to land warfare?
§ LORD G. HAMILTONI have read of no attempt to lay towns in ashes, or to destroy any property except under the conditions recognised by the Declaration of Paris. But I have noticed that in some cases when a town has been captured an attempt has been made to secure a war indemnity under threats. While I think that such a course may not be desirable, I may point out to the hon. Member that after every great war a large indemnity has been levied by the victor.
§ SIR G. CAMPBELLDoes the noble Lord know that Aberdeen, Peterhead, and Leith have been told to consider themselves laid in ashes?