§ 33. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister whether any arrangements have been made with Germany by the British and French Governments as to the law and principles which the Leipzig Court will administer and apply in the trial of Germans accused of War crimes; and whether there is any foundation for the statement that the Leipzig Court will refuse to find Germans guilty of War crimes in cases where the crimes complained of were committed in the interests of Germany in the course of the prosecution of the War?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn reply to the first part of the question, the arrangements with Germany for the trial of the Germans accused of War crimes are not yet complete, the legislation under which the trials are to take place having only just been passed in Germany. I have no reason to suppose that there is any foundation for the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERMay we rest assured that this Leipzig trial will in no way prejudice the surrender of German War criminals for trial?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe have reserved all our rights in the Treaty meanwhile.
§ Mr. BILLINGMay I ask whether the present; crisis in Germany is likely to affect the matter?