34. Mr. DOYLEasked the Prime Minister if he has abandoned all hope or intention of carrying out his oft-repeated intention of bringing the ex-Kaiser and the more highly placed war criminals of Germany and her Allies to trial; and if he will give the date (with the answer) when last the Allies made representation to the Dutch Government on the subject?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Gordon Hewart)I have been asked to reply. With reference to the ex-Kaiser there is nothing to add to the answer given to my hon. Friend on the 13th of last month, except to say that the date asked for is 24th March, 1920. To the Note sent on that date no reply was received. With reference to the other persons mentioned, the matter is one for the Supreme Council, who have lately received a report from the committee of lawyers referred to in more than one recent answer.
Mr. DOYLEIn view of the fact that this was a very important question at the last election and that a number of the supporters of the Government pledged themselves as candidates to secure the apprehension and trial of the arch criminal, cannot something be done before the next election comes?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many Members regard the carrying out of this pledge as vital to their chance of returning to this House?
§ Sir G. HEWARTThe answer to the first question is, I hope so. The answer to the second is in the negative.