§ 42. Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMSasked the Prime Minister if he is now able to convey any further information to the House with reference to the arrangements for the trial at Leipzig of Germans charged with cruelty to British prisoners of war?
§ 44. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Prime Minister whether he can see his way to suggest to the Allies that a time limit be given Germany within which the Germans charged with cruelty during the War must be brought to trial?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Gordon Hewart)I am asked to reply. It is definitely arranged that the interrogation of British witnesses who are un- 729 able to proceed to Leipzig is to commence in London on Tuesday, 26th April. The Attorney-General at Leipzig has accepted this arrangement, and intimates that it seems probable that the main trials will commence at Leipzig at the end of May.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYMay I ask whether the right hon. and learned- Gentleman remembers on the 28th February, he said he had interviews with legal representatives of Germany, and it was quite expected that the trials would commence within one month from that date; and, in view of the delay, will he not represent to Germany that, unless she hurries up these trials, there will be brought to bear against her all the resources, both moral and physical, of the League of Nations?
§ Sir G. HEWARTI remember the interview, and I remember the answer, but I do not remember the date.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYI do.
§ Sir G. HEWARTI am quite sure the hon. Member also remembers that since that date there has intervened an assertion of sanctions which has a little altered the position. I hope this matter will now proceed without further delay.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYThat, of course, means, does it not, that Germany has broken faith again?
§ Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. and learned Gentleman mean that the evidence, instead of being given in the usual way―that is, the witnesses being called at the trial―the examination will take place in a private room before some official; and that all that will be called in evidence will be the depositions of the soldiers who have been injured?
§ Sir G. HEWARTI think my hon. and learned Friend forgets what has so often been said in this matter. In October of last year we supplied to the German Government statements in full, printed with exhibits of all the witnesses which were relevant to these accused persons. We have since ascertained that some of those witnesses were ready to go to Leipzig and give evidence orally. With regard to the remainder, their evidence 730 is to be taken in London in the presence of representatives of the accused persons, who may, if they think fit, cross-examine. The depositions so taken will then be admitted at the trial in Leipzig under laws passed by the German Government for that purpose.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill my right hon. and learned Friend, or the Government, inform the German Government as soon as the depositions are ready, so that there may be no further delay on the part of the Government of Germany proceeding with the trial?
§ Sir G. HEWARTPersonally I shall be happy to do so. But similar reports have been made already.
Colonel C. LOWTHERCan we, in view of the fact that this matter has been evaded time after time, count upon the dates given now by the right hon. and learned Gentleman? Will -the German authorities be made to understand that unless they keep to these dates there will be some penalty?
§ Sir G. HEWARTI can only say, in reply, that I cannot add anything further as to the dates. My hon. and gallant Friend is perfectly well aware that the enforcement of the sanctions was based in part, and in no small part, upon the default of Germany in this matter.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYIt was never mentioned!