§ 21. Mr. HUNTasked, with reference to Article 2 of the Regulations respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land (Hague, 1907), whether, if this country was invaded, any man could use a rifle in defence of his country although not possessing any uniform or belonging to any military force?
§ Colonel SEELYIt would appear that, if the conditions specified in Article 2 of the Regulations referred to are complied with, the inhabitants of a country who take up arms in its defence are entitled to be regarded as belligerents, although not possessing uniform nor belonging to any organised military force.
§ Mr. HUNTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is anything in the Regulations which makes it necessary for these people to have the time or to be able to belong to an organised force?
§ Colonel SEELYI will send the hon. Gentleman a copy of the Regulations, from which he will see that the answer to his question would appear to be in the negative.