HC Deb 29 November 1937 vol 329 cc1676-8
27. Mr. Garro Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard to the apparent weakening of international law forbidding the bombing of civil populations and open towns, he can state which of the present Governments of Europe are explicitly bound to abstain from bacteriological warfare; what are the latest provisions of international law on this subject; and whether His Majesty's Government have had any recent discussions with foreign Governments in regard thereto?

Viscount Cranborne

As regards the first part of the question, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the desired information in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As regards the second part of the question, the Protocol of 17th June, 1925, for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous Gases and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare is still binding on all the States which have ratified or acceded to it. As regards the third part of the question, the answer is, No. Sir.

Mr. Garro Jones

Having regard to the fact that foreign Governments appear to have weakened in their adhesion to the provisions regarding bombing, will the Noble Lord ascertain whether there has been any similar weakening with regard to the provisions relating to bacteriological warfare?

Viscount Cranborne

No, because there is no evidence that there has been any weakening.

Sir P. Harris

Has not Japan weakened already by its bombing of civilians in China?

Viscount Cranborne

This question relates to bacteriological warfare.

Following is the information:

The following European States have ratified or definitely acceded to the Protocol of 17th June, 1925, for the prohibition of the use in war of asphyxiating, poisonous and other gases and of bacteriological methods of warfare:—Austria, Belgium, United Kingdom, Irish Free State, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Roumania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Yugoslavia.

49. Mr. Garro Jones

asked the Prime Minister what are the current instruments of international law on the subject of bombing civil populations; whether any provisions cover the case of military objectives such as railway stations, power stations, and factories which are situated in populous areas and are defended only by anti-aircraft guns; what is the policy of the Government in regard to British offensive action in the event of war against such objectives; and whether His Majesty's Government are fully apprised of the present attitude of foreign Governments towards this question?

Sir J. Simon

The question asked by the hon. Member raises a number of difficult issues which I do not think can be dealt with satisfactorily in the form of question and answer. The hon. Member may rest assured that His Majesty's Government will have all due regard to humanitarian considerations in any military operations which may be undertaken by this country.

Mr. Garro Jones

Will the right hon. Gentleman direct his attention in particular to the special case mentioned in the question, namely, a military objective such as railway stations in the middle of populous areas defended only by antiaircraft guns, and will he answer that point if I put down a specific question?

Sir J. Simon

I think the answer I gave applies to that situation. I doubt very much whether the sort of question the hon. Member indicated can be dealt with satisfactorily in the necessarily brief answer to a question.