HC Deb 21 February 1902 vol 103 cc707-8
*MR. HENRY J. WILSON

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of non-combatant Boers compelled by the British Authorities to travel upon trains for the purpose of protecting those trains from attack by the Boer forces, and how many of such non-combatants have been killed, and how many wounded. Whether there is any precedent for such a practice, except in the instance of the Franco-Prussian War; whether, in November and December, 1901, Boers were compelled to accompany trains between Pretoria and Pietersberg; whether, on or about the 5th December, 1901, about 35 Boers at Pretoria were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to accompany trains. Whether he is aware that it is stated in the Manual of Military Law, published by the War Office in 1899, that the general population of the enemy's country who form no part of the armed forces cannot justly be exposed, so long as they abstain from acts of hostility, to any description of violence; and whether that statement is still considered as binding upon the Military Authorities in South Africa.

MR. BRODRICK

As regards the first and second paragraphs I have no information, except as regards the question of precedent: it is recorded that the practice has been adopted in other civilised warfare. As regards the last paragraph, I am aware that it is so stated, but if the hon. Member will be good enough to look at the footnote to the first page of Chapter XIV., "The customs of War," he will find that this chapter has no official authority, and "expresses only the opinions of the compiler as drawn from the authorities cited."

MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)

I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman what are the other cases in which this practice has been adopted by other civilised countries?

MR. BRODRICK

There are so many susceptibilities on this matter that I think I should not be well advised in mentioning the cases.

*MR. HENRY J. WILSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain whether it is a fact that the non-combatant Boers were compelled to travel in those trains in October and December?

MR. BRODRICK

No Sir. If it was thought necessary to put non-combatant Boers on the trains for the protection of those travelling on them, that would be in the discretion of the General Officer Commanding in South Africa.