HC Deb 02 February 1944 vol 396 c1248
2. Sir Geoffrey Shakespeare

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the record of gross atrocities which puts Japan outside the community of civilised nations, he will consult with the United States Government with a view to issuing a warning that the procedure agreed at the Moscow Conference for the trial of German war criminals after the war will be applied to Japan.

Mr. Eden

The Policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to war criminals has been declared, and applies just as much to Japan as to all our enemies. His Majesty's Government are, of course, in close touch with the United States Government on this, as on all similar subjects.

3. Sir John Mellor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will issue repeated warnings to all enemies that obedience to orders of superior officers will not be accepted as any excuse for offences against British or Allied subjects or any reason for mitigation of punishment for such offences.

Mr. Eden

I do not myself feel that repeated warnings of this description are likely to produce the result which my hon. Friend and myself equally desire.