§ 64. Sir EDWIN CORNWALLasked whether any arrangements, and, if so, of what nature, have been made between the British and German Governments for the protection of specified buildings?
§ Mr. TENNANTArticle 27 of the Annex to The Hague Convention lays down that in sieges and bombardments all necessary steps must be taken to spare, as far as possible, buildings dedicated to public worship, art, science, or charitable purposes, historic monuments, hospitals, and places where the sick and wounded are collected, provided they are not being used at the time for military purposes, and states that it is the duty of the besieged to indicate such buildings or places by distinctive and visible signs, which shall be notified to the enemy beforehand. In accordance with this Article His Majesty's Government notified their intention to use for this purpose a sign consisting of a large, stiff, rectangular panel divided diagonally into two painted triangular portions, the upper portion black and the lower portion white. No other arrangements have been made between the British and German Governments for the protection of such buildings. How far the enemy are likely to observe the provisions of this or any other Convention I must leave to the judgment of the hon. Member.