§ 58. Sir William Davisonasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that under the existing law there is no power to try a German for a crime committed by a German against a British subject in Germany; and whether he will introduce legislation to deal with this urgent matter.
§ The Solicitor-General (Major Sir David Maxwell Fyfe)There are a few exceptional cases in which crimes committed abroad if committed by British subjects can be tried in a British Court. To claim criminal jurisdiction over foreigners for acts done abroad would be contrary to the principles acted upon and maintained by this country whenever this question of extra territorial jurisdiction has arisen. This deals with the normal criminal jurisdiction exercised by the ordinary courts. The right recognised by international law to try and to punish enemies guilty of offences against the laws and usages of war wherever committed is not affected by the earlier part of this answer.
§ Sir W. DavisonDo I understand that, apart from crimes under so-called municipal law, crimes committed in Germany by Germans against British subjects are punishable under international law?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralCrimes against the laws and usages of war are punishable by international law.