§ 50. Captain CARR-GOMMasked the Prime Minister whether adequate escort will be provided for all hospital ships in future?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAll possible means of safeguarding our hospital ships are at present under consideration in consultation with the Allies.
§ Mr. TENNANTIs it decided that hospital ships shall continue to carry lights?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs the right hon. Gentleman will understand, that is one of the points we are now considering in consultation with our Allies.
57. Sir F. HALLasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that under the agreements come to at the Hague Conference a right was conferred upon belligerents to search hospital ships in order to see that no advantage was taken by them of carrying troops, munitions, or ammunition clandestinely on board; whether he is aware that officers commanding German submarines have made statements to the effect that they have sunk hospital ships in consequence of their contravention of Regulations which entitled them to protection; whether they have ever exercised such right of search; and, if so, whether they were able in any one single case to prove that this country or its Allies have been guilty of breaking such Regulations?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The right is conferred on belligerents by the Hague Convention to stop and search hospital ships in order to see that they are complying with the terms of the international agreement, and this right has on several occasions been exercised by German submarines. In no case has this country ever broken the letter or spirit of the Hague Convention regarding hospital ships, and the same statement is believed to be true as regards our Allies.
Sir F. HALLMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to be good enough to ask the Leader of the House to have that information circulated to enemy, neutral, and Allied countries?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy right hon. Friend has heard the suggestion.