HC Deb 23 June 1921 vol 143 cc1538-40
25. Mr. BOTTOMLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has received a resolution passed by a meeting of British witnesses recently returned from the Leipzig trials, protesting against the manner in which their evidence was dealt with; and does he propose to make any representation to the German Government on the subject?

The SOLICITOR - GENERAL (Sir Ernest Pollock)

I have been asked to reply. Certain representations have been received from some of the witnesses referred to, and from other quarters. It is proposed, as has been more than once stated, to consider, in conference with the other Powers concerned, so soon as the present series of trials at Leipzig is concluded and full information is available, what further action shall be taken with reference to the War criminals. Meantime it is not proposed to make separate representations upon the matter to the German Government.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman say, as he was present at the trials, whether he agreed to those representations?

Sir E. POLLOCK

Personally, I have not seen them.

26. Mr. BOTTOMLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether he will lay upon the Table of the House the Report furnished by the Solicitor-General respecting the Leipzig trials of alleged War criminals; and whether, having regard to the fact that the first British list, after allowing for those who have been permitted to escape, has been disposed of, he will afford the House an opportunity of expressing its opinion upon the results of the trials of the persons comprised in such list?

Sir E. POLLOCK

I have been asked to reply. It is not proposed to lay upon the Table the memorandum referred to, which was prepared for the information of the Cabinet. When the present series of trials at Leipzig has been concluded, and further information concerning them is available, this House will be afforded an opportunity of discussion, if that be the generally expressed desire of hon. Members. But it seems a little important that premature expressions of opinion should be avoided, especially, perhaps, in a matter in which the Allies are acting in common.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

In the meantime will any further British list be sent to Leipzig for trial?

Sir E. POLLOCK

No further list will be sent, because, until the Allies in conference have decided what action they shall take, the list that has already been sent is, for this purpose, final.

Captain W. BENN

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman state when we may expect the decision of the Allies as to further action, in view of the derisory character of the sentences which have already been passed?

Sir E. POLLOCK

I have more than once said that, from the point of view of those who were in court, the sentences did not appear to be derisory. I must also say that, until the French cases have been tried—and they are awaiting trial—it is obvious that no meeting of the Allies would serve any useful purpose. I am not quite certain on what date the French cases will be tried, but I think it will be on the 29th of this month.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Could the hon. and learned Gentleman say how soon the report of the evidence and judgments in the Leipzig trials will be translated and made available for Members of the House?

Sir E. POLLOCK

As I have already said, I want to get that report as soon as possible, and I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that as soon as it is available—and all steps are being taken to make it available—it shall be obtained and translated.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Does the hon. and learned Gentleman think that the present series of trials will be concluded in time for a Debate to take place in this House before it adjourns?

Sir E. POLLOCK

The French cases are part of the present series, and they ought to be taken, as I hope, by the 29th of this month. I assume, therefore, that there will be an opportunity for discussion.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Could the reports of the evidence and judgments in the British cases be translated, without waiting for the conclusion of the French cases?

Sir E. POLLOCK

I cannot say when the reports will be received, but I do not see why, in the British cases, the translation should be delayed until the French cases are tried, and I hope it will not be.