HC Deb 30 May 1921 vol 142 cc571-2
32. Mr. BOTTOMLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the sentence passed upon the first convicted German War criminal by the Leipzig Court, the Government will consider the propriety of having the rest of the trials removed to London?

The ATTORNEY - GENERAL (Sir Gordon Hewart)

I have been asked to reply to this question. There is no reason to doubt that when the present series of trials, selected and accepted as it was as a test of good faith, has been completed all relevant matters, including the sentences passed, will be considered by the Powers concerned, and such action will be taken as may then be resolved upon. Meantime it does not appear to be desirable, even if it were practicable, to interrupt the present series of trials.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

In the meantime, are we to accept as final the verdicts passed by this Court, and what is the sentence passed on the second prisoner?

Sir G. HEWART

I cannot say what is the sentence passed on the second prisoner, as I have not the information. I do, with all seriousness, deprecate the tendency which I observe, not only in this House, but also in some parts of the Press, to sit in judgment upon this sentence upon very imperfect material. For my own part, I know in outline the evidence that was to be adduced, but I have not yet received a full report of the trial. What was proved and what was proved per contra I do not know. I propose to wait until I have full information.

Sir F. BANBURY

Are we to understand that the House will have an opportunity of discussing the question of the sentence passed upon the man called Heinen by the Supreme Court of Germany when the full facts are before us?

Mr. HOWARD GRITTEN

Is the learned Attorney-General primâ facie satisfied that the sentence is proof of the good faith of the Germans?

Sir G. HEWART

I do not know what is meant by the phrase "primâ facie satisfied." In order to be satisfied or dissatisfied, I propose to wait until full information is received. With regard to the other question, it is not within my province to say whether the House will have an opportunity of discussion or not.

Mr. J. JONES

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to see that people in Ireland who are being arrested shall have a legal opportunity of trial?

HON. MEMBERS

"No!" and "Sit down!"

Mr. JONES

Why should I? Shut up!

Mr. LYLE-SAMUEL

Would the Prime Minister consider the advisability of making representations to the German Government in view of the intense and passionate indignation of people in this country after having read the evidence accepted by the judge presiding over the Court, which proved that infamous and inhuman conduct was exhibited towards British prisoners—conduct for which the contemptible sentence proclaimed turned the whole thing into a judicial farce?

Sir G. HEWART

I do not know that the proper course in reply to that question would not be to give the answer I have already given. I can only say that if there be the "intense and passionate indignation" to which the hon. Member refers, it is in my opinion a little premature.