§ 25. Sir JOHN BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to publish the Report made in January last by the committee of lawyers who were appointed in August last by the Supreme Council to report on the trial of German War criminals at Leipzig; whether he can state what reason, if any, exists why these War criminals should not forthwith be tried in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles; and whether, in view of the unsatisfactory character of the Leipzig trials and the long delays which have taken place, the trial of these War criminals in accordance with the Treaty may be shortly expected?
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Leader of the House)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The matter is still under discussion between the Allied Governments concerned. The points raised by the second and third parts have not yet been decided by the Supreme Council.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Report on the Leipzig trials has already been unofficially published, in part, at any rate, in Paris? Is there any reason why it should not be published in full after this lapse of time?
§ Sir J. BUTCHERCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any assurance, in view of the long period that has elapsed since the Treaty of Versailles was passed, that the German War prisoners will be brought to trial?