HC Deb 09 June 1943 vol 390 cc677-8
1. Mr. Martin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the large number of hostages now being held in Germany, he will take steps to inform the German military leaders that they, as well as the Nazi chiefs, will be held personally responsible for the safety and well-being of these persons?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)

I am not sure what the hon. Member means by hostages. But I am glad of this opportunity of stating publicly that the German military leaders, like the Nazi political leaders, will be liable to punishment for any crimes, for which they can be shown to be responsible, committed against members of the United Nations detained against their will on German or German-occupied territory.

Mr. Martin

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it likely that there will be an interlude and a breakdown of all civil government in Germany towards the end of hostilities and that during that period the military leaders will be more powerful than the Present Nazi leaders, and should they not be made responsible for the safety of people like M. Herriot?

Mr. Eden

I think my answer covers that hypothesis, too.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Do not allow the guilty to escape to neutral countries.