§ 134. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the British military administration in Somaliland continues to inflict collective punishment on the native population under their jurisdiction, with the consequence of making the innocent suffer equally with the guilty and that such punishment spreads terror amongst the civil population; and whether such steps as are necessary will be taken to bring to an end this method of effecting civil obedience.
§ Mr. BellengerAfter tribal disturbances in Somaliland collective punishment has at times been suggested by the Somalis themselves; it is a form of law based on custom and well understood and appreciated by them. Raiding tribes are usually punished by being made to return stock they have stolen and this is regarded as a fair form of collective punishment. Stock seized for ransom has always been returned when the tribes have produced hidden criminals. These methods will be less used as tribal raiding decreases.