§ Mr. Dalton(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the official announcement issued yesterday from Herr Hitler's headquarters that German artillery, men and airmen have hitherto shown excessive consideration for open towns, hamlets and villages in Poland but that in future the German Air Force in co-operation with heavy artillery would take all suitable measures to make clear the useless-ness of resistance, and whether he has any statement to make?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. His Majesty's Government have noted this announcement, which on the face of it is in flat contradiction of the German Chancellor's recent statement to the Reichstag, when he disclaimed any desire to make war on women and children. The restrictions we (like the French) have imposed upon the operations of our own Forces were based upon the condition of similar restraint being observed by our opponents and His Majesty's Government must of course hold themselves free, if such restraint is not in fact observed, to take such action as they may deem appropriate. But I wish to add that whatever be the lengths to which others may go, His Majesty's Government will never resort to the deliberate attack on women, children and other civilians for purposes of mere terrorism. In the meantime it must be remembered that our strategy and tactics must at all stages be governed by one consideration and one only, namely, the most effective prosecution of the war.
I will add that if action of the kind suggested in the German announcement is taken, it will inevitably further strengthen the resolve of ourselves and our Allies so to conduct our policy and so to prosecute the war as to ensure that the menace we are fighting (of which this may be another manifestation) is finally removed.
§ Mr. DaltonWhile appreciating the Prime Minister's answer, may I ask him whether the War Cabinet has constantly 751 in mind the solemn obligation entered into in our Treaty of Alliance with Poland whereby we undertook to render to Poland all the support and assistance in our power?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, certainly.
§ Mr. ThorneDoes not the Prime Minister now recognise that this man in question is getting very desperate, and, as a matter of fact, in my opinion he will get more desperate later on?