HC Deb 13 October 1943 vol 392 cc859-60
Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to set up the machinery to enable effective action to be taken at the proper time against war criminals?

Mr. Law

Discussions are proceeding with the various Allied Governments concerned with this question, and a statement will be made as soon as it is possible to do so.

Mr. Lipson

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any machinery, legal or judicial, has yet been established? Does he not agree that it is desirable, if effective action is to be taken, that this machinery should be established before the war is over?

Mr. Law

Yes, it is certainly desirable that the machinery should be established. Conversations are in progress now with Allied Governments to ensure that some machinery shall be set up.

Captain Cunningham-Reid

Is it likely to be the policy of His Majesty's Government in the future to try war criminals as we catch them, or do we intend to save them up for one glorious "beano"?