HC Deb 03 December 1919 vol 122 cc371-2
1. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for India whether warning is given in time to allow the removal of women, children, and other non-combatants before bombing raids by aeroplane are carried out on frontier towns and villages?

The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)

Warning was given to the Wazirs and Mahsuds, after they had rejected our terms, that they would be subjected to bombing from the air, after time had been allowed for the removal of women and children.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is this the practice always followed in these operations?

Sir J D. REES

And how long are the combatants likely to wait for the bombs after this warning?

Mr. MONTAGU

I think there is great objection to the use of aeroplanes for bombing women and children, and if the desired military results can be obtained without that, so much the better.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTH

But have we always followed followed this humane practice?

Mr. MONTAGU

So far as my memory serves me, since aeroplanes have been invented for bombing purposes this is the first time they have been used on the North-West frontier, and I am sure hon. Members will be glad it has been found possible to give the warning.

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