§ Considered in Committee.
§ Sir HILDRED CARLILEMay I ask the Under-Secretary for War for an explanation?
§ Colonel SEELYI explained the general scope of the Bill on the Second Reading. I think the Committee understands that the Bill is to defend and protect the Red Cross emblem for the purposes for which it exists—the protection of wounded in war. The effect of the Bill has been passed by every country which has been a party to the Geneva Convention except as yet France and Turkey. The effect of it will be that it will be impossible for people to abuse the Red Cross; for instance, for ships to employ the Red Cross for transporting supplies to the enemy. It will also avoid the suspicion that the Red Cross is not always bonâ fide employed for the protection of the sick and wounded, and people will not be tempted to fire upon it to prevent themselves being deceived.
§ Sir HILDRED CARLILEMay I ask whether under the Bill the Red Crescent is recognised?
§ Colonel SEELYThat is the difficulty which Turkey feels in that matter, and that question is still under consideration. This Bill deals with the Red Cross, and it is the Red Cross that will be recognised.
§ Bill reported, without Amendment; read the third time, and passed.