§ 1. Mr. Martinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the decision announced by His Majesty's Government to bring to trial officials, etc., of Axis States responsible for outrages on nationals of conquered States has been taken in conjunction with our Allies of the United Nations?
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the Prime Minister's statement in the House of Commons on 8th September, when he identified His Majesty's Government with an earlier statement on this subject made by President Roosevelt on 22nd August. I can assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Government are in close consultation with the Dominion Governments, the United States Government and with the Governments of those among the United Nations whose nationals have suffered from Axis oppression regarding the policy to be adopted for the punishment of war criminals.
§ Mr. MartinMay I draw the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that in some cases these trials may take on a somewhat farcical character as a result of the public opinion of the world concerning the criminals involved, and will he take such steps as are possible to see that the forms of justice as distinct from justice itself are not brought into dispute?