§ 46. Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the barbarity of the enemy in spreading destruction on the line of their retreat, the Government is prepared, in conjunction with our Allies, to consider the suggestion made by many persons of high authority in France and Belgium of designating certain German towns as hostages 1289 for towns in France and Belgium, and that the ruin of any of the Belgian and French towns should involve the destruction of the German hostage town corresponding to it as a measure of expiation for this crime against civilisation and humanity?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government are not prepared to adopt the suggestion contained in this question.