New War Rules

The International Commission of Jurists of the World Court under the Presidency of Professor John Bassett Moore of Columbia University, New York, drew up at The Hague new "rules of warfare."

The rules deal with the use of wireless and the use of aeroplanes. It is laid down that the radio stations of neutral powers must not be disturbed by belligerents. Neutral vessels sending information to a belligerent shall be liable to capture. If the message contains military intelligence, the aeroplane or vessel shall be deemed to have committed an act of warfare and shall be liable to be fired upon.

Chief among the rules for aircraft in warfare are provisions against bombing private property not of a military character and against attacking noncombatants. Bombardment of cities, towns, etc., not in the immediate vicinity of military operations is forbidden. Anything that would give a military advantage to a belligerent can be attacked. Cities, towns, etc., in the vicinity of military operations can be bombarded.

The rules, in form of a treaty, will be submitted to the five principal powers--United States, Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan--after revision.

No mention is made of poison gases and submarines.

Soviet Russia protested hotly against Finland's bringing the question of East Karelia before the Court. The Court, however, is setting a precedent by hearing the case, although it is supposed to hear cases only by consent of both parties.