§ 26. Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Prime Minister whether any Report has yet been received from our Ambassador at Berlin respecting the progress of the arrangements for the trial of alleged German war criminals and as to whether any of such suspected persons are being permitted to leave the country?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Pollock)I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member given to him on 1st November. I have no reason to suppose that any of the accused are being permitted to leave Germany.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYHas the hon. and learned Gentleman reason to believe that they are still there, and does he seriously think that they will still be found there when the Court is ready to try them?
§ Sir E. POLLOCKI do.
§ Sir E. POLLOCKIt is impossible for any authority in this country to take the steps which would have to be taken by the High Court of Leipsic, and there is no reason to believe that that Court is not endeavouring to act with perfect bona fides and with expedition and dispatch.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYWould the right hon. Gentleman mind asking the British Ambassador in Berlin whether these alleged criminals are still in Germany?
Colonel LOWTHERIs it not natural that they would take the first opportunity of going over the border?
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill the right hon. Gentleman ask our Ambassador at Berlin whether the delay in dealing with these alleged criminals has not had the effect of stiffening opposition against the trials, and has led German opinion to suppose that the crimes—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and learned Member must give notice of that question.