HC Deb 27 June 1921 vol 143 cc1779-80
44. Sir F. HALL

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether Captain-Lieutenant Neumann, who was charged at Leipzig with the crime of torpedoing the hospital ship "Dover Castle," was acquitted partly on the ground that such action is justified in the case of a ship used for the conveyance of soldiers wounded in a land battle; and whether, in view of the gravity of the position which this decision creates by legalising such an act of inhumanity, the Government proposes to take steps for the question to be considered by the League of Nations, with a view to an international agreement being come to on the subject?

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Pollock)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not arise.

Sir F. HALL

Do the Government intend to leave the matter entirely where it is at the present time? Are they satisfied with the manner in which these trials have been conducted in Leipzig? Are they satisfied that one large Power like Germany should have special arrangements by which their officers can be exonerated from liability in a case such as the one referred to?

Sir E. POLLOCK

I have answered the first part of the supplementary question on many occasions, and my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General has done the same. I think the hon. Member has rather imperfectly understood the answer to the question. Some confusion has taken place between the arguments presented on behalf of the accused and the judgment of the Court. The judgment of the Court did not accept the view presented in the first part of the question.

Sir F. HALL

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman think that it is advisable in the interests of humanity that one Power should have special privileges, such as Germany apparently has, by the decision arrived at by the Leipzig Court?

Sir J. D. REES

Is the hon. Member right in supposing that the League of Nations will settle the laws of war as well as the laws of labour?

Sir F. HALL

May I point out to you, Mr. Speaker, that it was at the request of the Government I put this question down for to-day? Considering the circumstances, does not my right hon. and learned Friend think that some reply should be given to the question, and not leave it in the vague manner in which it stands at present, in which we do not know anything?

Mr. SPEAKER

The question was precisely answered.