§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the deliberate and avowed violation by the Germans of cardinal provisions of The Hague Conventions by the use of asphyxiating gases and the poisoning of wells, and that in The Hague Conventions there is no reference to punishment except a state- 1288W ment that the offending party shall be, if the case demands, liable to make compensation, the Government with a view to the preservation of our soldiers and sailors from assassination will consider the propriety of taking such steps in self-defence by way of reprisals, sanctioned by international law or otherwise, as will act as deterrents against such barbarous methods of warfare?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis question is receiving the careful consideration of the Government and the military authorities.