HC Deb 12 July 1922 vol 156 cc1199-201
27. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Attorney-General how many of the Germans indicted for criminal offences in the War have been convicted; how many are awaiting trial; and how many have escaped?

The ATTORNEY - GENERAL (Sir Ernest Pollock)

Seven names appeared upon the British list of cases selected for trial at Leipzig. The whereabouts of two of the accused persons could not be traced, whilst a third was resident in Danzig. Of the four remaining cases, three were convicted and one acquitted. In addition, two other persons were convicted of offences arising out of the sinking of the "Llandovery Castle" in prosecutions initiated by the German authorities. The hon. Member will find full details of the cases in a Report presented to Parliament, and dated 8th August last.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Before any suggestion of a loan to Germany is agreed to, would it not be an equitable request that all these criminals should be dealt with?

Sir E. POLLOCK

That does not fall within the department of the Law Officers.

Mr. THOMAS

Is the list which the right hon. Gentleman has read out a discharge by the Government of their election promises?

Sir E. POLLOCK

The whole question of the position of war criminals has been stated over and over again. It is a matter for consideration by the Supreme Council, and it is under the consideration of the Allies.

Vice-Admiral Sir R. HALL

Is the House to understand that the Government is satisfied that four years' imprisonment in a fortress is sufficient punishment for murder on the high seas?

Sir E. POLLOCK

The hon. and gallant Member is not so to understand. Those were the sentences imposed by the German Court to whose jurisdiction the cases were remitted. Two prisoners were sentenced to four years' imprisonment, and the one who was an officer was ordered to be dismissed the Service, and the other who was an officer in the Reserve was deprived of the right to wear an officer's uniform. The whole matter was under the jurisdiction of the German Court.

Sir W. DAVISON

What is the Government going to do on the general question? Were not these simply test cases to see whether the Germans were going to do justice or not?

Mr. SPEAKER

Hon. Members had better put down further questions.