§ 49. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister whether Hitler, Goering, Goebbels and Himmler are on the British or United Nations list of war criminals for trial in due course.
§ The Prime MinisterSo far as the British List is concerned, the parties mentioned are included. It should not be assumed that the procedure of trial will necessarily be adopted. I am not in a position to make any statement about the United Nations' list at the present time.
§ Mr. SilvermanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that under the present terms of reference of the War Crimes Commission, none of these gentlemen would be indictable for any act committed against German nationals in Germany?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I say, we have to consider a lot of countries and are working in touch with a great many countries. I was asked a Question which I was not particularly looking for, because all this is very general at the present time. We have not completed our job yet, and I am not able to give full answers respecting international bodies and international procedure.
§ Sir William DavisonIs not the War Crimes Commission examining whether these crimes are punishable under what we know as international law, and, in view of recent events, is not international law as we knew it a thing of the past, and is it not high time that we laid down how cases of this kind are to be dealt with in the future?
§ The Prime MinisterI would not commit myself to any sweeping assertions which appeared to challenge the broad foundations of international law. I do not think there is any immediate hurry about making any further announcements on this subject.
§ Mr. McGovernWould the Prime Minister give an assurance that if any German citizens should shoot any of these individuals, they would not be dealt with as the assassin of Darlan was dealt with in North Africa?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member is asking me to give an assurance covering a vast field of uncertainty which is influenced at every stage by hazard and chance.