§ 19. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what purpose the British delegation was sent to the International Red Cross Conference which has been sitting at Geneva; and what instructions were given to them.
Mr. McNeilHis Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom accepted the invitation of the Swiss Federal Council to attend the Diplomatic Conference for the protection of war victims, now sitting at Geneva.
The United Kingdom Delegation has been instructed to do everything within its power at the Conference to negotiate practicable agreements that will serve the humanitarian objectives for which the four Conventions covering this subject are designed.
§ Mr. HughesCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether this conference has ever considered the question of preventing the atrocity of the bombing of civilian populations? What is being done by our delegation as to that?
Mr. McNeilI am not sure whether my hon. Friend has been reading a newspaper story or not. There has been a newspaper story connected with subjects outwith the competence of this Conference. The conventions are designed to deal with protected persons and with civilians, and on this subject our delegation has been firmly and competently instructed.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this delegation will also be sent over in private cars of the Ministry of Supply, as was the delegation to Annecy?
Mr. McNeilThat is not, of course, my subject, but I should imagine that since such a procedure is economical and applicable, it is probable that they are thus being served.
§ Mr. PiratinCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether this question of the bombing of civilian populations has come up at all in any form, and, if so, what was the attitude taken by the British delegation?
Mr. McNeilI suppose the hon. Gentleman is referring to resolutions 1350 tabled by the Soviet Government dealing with atomic bombing. That has not yet been discussed.
§ Mr. HughesSince the right hon. Gentleman has referred to a newspaper, will he tell us whether the report in the "Observer" was without foundation?