HC Deb 31 July 1918 vol 109 cc407-8
20. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the German Government are now justifying the bombing of the Etaples Hospital on the night of 19th–20th May by the allegation that the Red Cross was not shown; and will he inquire into and expose this statement?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am aware that the German Government are justifying the bombing of Etaples Hospital on the night of the 19th/20th May, by the allegation that the Red Cross was not shown, and I have seen in a German newspaper photographs published by them with the intention of proving that the Red Cross sign did not exist on the 21st May, but did exist in large numbers on the 27th. German photographs of this nature, as we have reason to know, are never conclusive. In any case the hospitals were bombed on the night of 31st May—1st June in spite of the Red Cross signs, which German evidence shows to have been in existence on 27th May.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

The right hon. Gentleman is satisfied that the Red Cross sign was shown on the 19th?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Am I personally satisfied? Yes.

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