§ 57. Major HUNTasked the Prime Minister whether, for the purpose of safeguarding our wounded officers and men and our medical and nursing staff, he will put on all hospital ships a number of German officers of superior rank; and whether he will also do the same on all unarmoured merchant ships?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe subject has been carefully considered by our naval and military authorities, and the action proposed in the question is not being taken.
§ Sir R. COOPERHave not the Government yet discovered that the only treatment the Hun understands is that of reprisals?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWWe have discovered a, good deal about the Hun, but there are a great many considerations involved in a question of this kind which, obviously, cannot be discussed in the House of Commons.
§ Colonel ASHLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman give us some indication of why it is not done?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have already given my answer. My hon. and gallant Friend must see that it is quite impossible to give in public the reasons either for or against an action of this kind.