Your 357 of 21st May regarding hospital ships. [1] Germany has
shown such little regard for the security of our hospital ships in
the past that we fear she would use the occasion to impose
reprisals of a more drastic nature, and would also make the
maximum use of a breach of the Geneva Convention for propaganda
purposes against the British Empire. In Commonwealth H. C's
cablegram No. 2331 [2] regarding prisoners-of-war, it is indicated
that Germany has generally met her obligations under the
Convention in relation to prisoners-of-war and the continued
observance by the British Government of the Convention in relation
to such matters and its adherence to the Geneva Convention has, we
feel sure, resulted in observance, if not completely, at least to
some valuable extent by the enemy.

Australia's interest in this question lies in the possibility of
Japan as an enemy. We hope that in such circumstances, she would
observe the Geneva Convention, but if proposed breach by the
United Kingdom occurs, fear she might not hesitate to act
similarly, should the occasion arise, on pretext that action
justified by precedent so established.

Realise your Government has given this question full
consideration, but hesitate to acquiesce in proposals, for fear
the good name of our nation becomes sullied by vicious propaganda
used by unscrupulous enemy. Suggest, however, that if such action
essential, it be taken after due warning to Germany that if
further attacks made our hospital ships must take immediate steps
to counteract.