§ 57. Major CHAPPLEasked the Prime Minister whether it can now be stated that British aircraft dropped bombs on open German towns, killing women and children; whether, if this is to be continued as a policy designed to deter the German high command from ordering the sinking of hospital ships, he will, before any other 2578 raid is ordered, consider that the peculiar quality of German morality gives our enemies resources in brutality beyond our reach and makes the military cast oblivious to any kind of reprisal which leaves them personally unhurt, so that the end desired is therefore not likely to be attained; that it would be more consistent with British tradition and more likely to appeal to German military rulers if the Government were to adopt the alternative policy of a joint announcement by the Allies (including, if possible, America) to the effect that, without prejudice to the present position, a special inquiry, with a view to fixing responsibility, will be held into all attacks on hospital ships, and that those in whatever rank or station found to be in any degree responsible, either because they ordered or carried out such attacks, or because, having had the power to prevent them they failed to do so, will be dealt with personally at the Allies' discretion?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is not possible for me to add anything to the statements that I have made on this subject, but I may add that I do not think that the suggestion of the hon. Member is practicable.