HC Deb 03 March 1920 vol 126 cc434-5
52. Sir F. HALL

asked the Prime Minister if the British Government have acquiesced in the decision not to insist on the surrender of war criminals by Germany, as required by the Peace Treaty; if so, whether, as a result, the Germans responsible for the murder of Captain Fryatt and Nurse Cavell, the sinking of hospital ships, the ill-treatment of prisoners, the deportation of civilians from occupied territories, and other similar acts will go unpunished.; and, if so, will he state what guarantee is afforded that Germany will carry out the remainder of the obligations entered into by the Peace Treaty?

Mr. BONAR LAW

If my hon. and gallant Friend will consult the Note addressed to the German Government on February 13th, the terms of which, as the House is aware, were published in the press of February 17th, he will find that the Treaty Rights of the Allied Governments as regards this matter are in no respect abandoned.

Sir F. HALL

Are we to understand from the reply that if, for instance, the Government do not punish these criminals, then the British Government will take the necessary steps to see that the terms of the Treaty are carried out and that these criminals are brought to this country in order that they may be dealt with?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think my answer was quite clear. We reserve all our rights under the Treaty. It would be a great mistake on the part of hon. Members to assume that the German Government were not going to bring these people to justice.

Viscount CURZON

Does that answer cover the case of the ex-Kaiser?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer refers to the alleged War criminals.

Mr. G. MURRAY

Have arrangements been made to review the sentences and results of the trials?

Captain LOSEBY

Is it right and proper to discuss in this House a question which is sub-judice?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think the position is clear. We are going to allow these trials to take place in Germany in the expectation that they will be fair trials.

Sir F. HALL

And if the Government find that their expectation is not realised will they, according to the promise made at the General Election, take the necessary steps to see that the terms of the Treaty in that regard, as well as in other respects, are enforced?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think the House will agree that the promises were made not alone by the Government. I think I have made the position clear. We reserve our rights.

Lieut.-Colonel CLAUDE LOWTHER

Were not the questions of the trial of War criminals and the payment of an adequate indemnity by Germany the two points most insisted upon?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.