[To TEE EDIT011, or TEE "Sriccuros."1
SIR,—You would do well to inform all Rifle Clubs and Village Guards that they should not use firearms against the enemy unless they are in uniform. Personally I do not think there is the least likelihood of the Prussians landing here, but should they do so, all rifles in the hands of those not in uniform should have the breech blocks removed and the rifles placed in safe custody. A case was mentioned in the Press only yesterday (August 14th), I think, where three gardeners had fired on Prussian soldiers. The gardeners were executed, and the whole village put to the sword.—I am, Sir, &c., WILLIAM NEWALL. Red Heath, Croxley Green, R.S.O., Herts.
[Our correspondent has evidently not read the Hague Convention. If be refers to it, he will find that all the assenting Powers, including Germany, agreed that uniform is not necessary to secure to combatants belligerent rights. Even acting in an organized body under leaders is not necessary to secure those rights if the combatants act openly, and in defence of a territory not in the occupation of the enemy. If the reports such as those mentioned by our correspondent are well founded, as we fear is likely, then it is quite possible the Germans have disobeyed the public law of Europe. In our opinion, the Allies should, if they get trustworthy evidence of breaches of the Hague Convention, formally protest against the Germans' action, and warn them of what may he the consequences.—En. Spectator.]
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