HC Deb 22 January 1941 vol 368 cc155-6
14. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Secretary of State for Air the total number of airmen of all British Air Forces who are known to have been shot at by enemy aircraft after they had taken to their parachutes and the number of British airmen so killed; whether such attacks are contrary to international convention; and whether His Majesty's Government have requested that any communication be made to any enemy Government on this matter?

Sir A. Sinclair

My hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not always possible to establish with certainty that such attacks have occurred. There is, however, firm evidence to show that at least 12 of these contemptible attacks have taken place, in four of which the airmen may have been killed. The answer to the second and third parts of the Question is in the negative.

Mr. Simmonds

Would the right hon. Gentleman review the matter and see whether, in view of the fact that this practice is highly repugnant to all airmen, of whatever nationality, some representation through a neutral Government might be made to the German or Italian Government?

Sir A. Sinclair

I am not hopeful of any such representations.