§ 19. Mr. GINNELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with a view to the next Hague Conference, he will ascertain the opinion of neutral Governments, especially that of the United States, on the prospect of having an international convention adopted against the practice of executing wounded military prisoners, after trial and sentence by court-martial, as in the recent Irish rebellion?
§ Lord R. CECILThe statement of the hon. Member does not appear to me to be at all a correct description of what has happened in Ireland. I am not aware of any reason for taking any steps with neutral Governments with a view to the next Hague Conference.
§ Mr. GINNELLCan the Noble Lord mention any other country where wounded military prisoners are shot summarily?
§ Lord R. CECILI believe in all civilised countries people who are guilty of murder and treason are shot.
§ Mr. GINNELLIs it not the fact that if that were the case some of those on the Treasury Bench would be shot?
§ Mr. STANTONSurely it is more merciful where a man is proven to be guilty to be shot, even though he be wounded, than to cure him and then shoot him!