HC Deb 15 September 1914 vol 66 cc870-1
36. Mr. RONALD M'NEILL

asked the Prime Minister whether he has observed the accounts, purporting to come from wounded soldiers in hospital, of gross violations of the laws of civilised warfare committed by German officers and men in the field; and whether, in view to obtaining an unimpeachable record of this matter, the Government will as soon as possible appoint a Commission to take sworn evidence both in this country and on the Continent with regard to the alleged German atrocities?

The PRIME MINISTER

This matter is under the consideration of the Home Secretary and the Attorney-General, who will take such steps as seem to them best adapted to ascertain the truth of these accounts.

Mr. R. M'NEILL

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any assurance that an inquiry of some sort will be held immediately with this object in view?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, certainly, but perhaps not in the form which the hon. Member suggests.