HC Deb 18 February 1943 vol 386 cc1947-8
75. Mr. Silkin

asked the Secretary of State' for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a ceremonial funeral, including features outside the provisions of the International Convention, Geneva, 1929, was given to three German airmen on 20th January, 1943, in South-East England; that, in view of the atrocities committed by all branches of the German fighting forces on the civilian populations of the invaded countries, this unnecessarily ceremonial funeral has created a bad impression among the members of the Allied Governments in this country and among all sections of the peoples of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Richard Law)

The Convention requires that enemy dead shall be "honourably buried," and in fulfilment of this obligation the three German airmen mentioned were buried with normal service honours, save that no aircraft salute was given. British airmen are buried in Germany with similar ceremonial. Since no exceptional arrange- ments were made on this occasion, I see no reason to anticipate any criticism from our Allies in the sense suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. Silkin

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the ceremony in this case went considerably beyond what is required by the Geneva Convention?

Mr. Law

My information is that it was the normal ceremony prescribed by the Convention and what is accorded to our own troops.

Mr. Silkin

There was a procession, and there were features not required by the Geneva Convention. Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter again and see what took place?

Mr. Law

I will look into it again, and if the hon. Member will give me details of what he supposes took place, I will consult the Secretary of State for Air about it.

Mr. McGovern

Is it not the case that the people of the United Nations are willing to give the whole of the Nazi leaders a very fine burial?