_Assassination_
THE NATAL PROCLAMATION
Sir,--It was reported a few days ago that the Natal Government had
offered a reward for Bambaata, dead or alive. I have waited for a
statement that no offer of the kind had been made, or that it had been
made by some over-zealous official, whose act had been disavowed. No
such statement has appeared. On the contrary, we read that "the price
placed upon the rebel's head has excited native cupidity." It may
therefore be desirable to point out that what is alleged to have been
done is opposed to the customs of warfare, whether against foreign
enemies or rebels.
By Art. 28 (_b_) of The Hague Regulations, "it is especially prohibited
to kill or wound treacherously individuals belonging to the hostile
nation or army": words which, one cannot doubt, would include not only
assassination of individuals, but also, by implication, any offer for an
individual "dead or alive." The Regulations are, of course, technically
binding only between signatories of the convention to which they are
appended; but Art. 28 (_b_) is merely an express enactment of a
well-established rule of the law of nations. A recent instance of its
application occurred, before the date of The Hague Convention, during
operations in the neighbourhood of Suakin. An offer by the British
Admiral of a reward for Osman Digna, dead or alive, was, if I mistake
not, promptly cancelled and disavowed by the home Government.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
T. E. HOLLAND.
Brighton, April 17 (1906).
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