§ 61. Sir William Davisonasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a statement recently made by Sir Cecil Hurst, Chairman of the United Nations War Crime Commission, saying that if Hitler can manage to escape to a neutral country nothing can be done by the Allies in the matter; and what action is being taken by the Allies to prevent the possible evasion of justice by Nazi criminals in the way suggested.
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that the remarks attributed to Sir Cecil Hurst in the newspaper report which my hon. Friend has in mind did not represent accurately what he said. This is one of those cases of taking out detached sentences from their context and not having proper regard to all the necessary limiting and guarding phrases and words which are proper to public Statements. His Majesty's Government are resolved to do their utmost to prevent Nazi criminals finding refuge in neutral territory from the consequences of their crimes.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs the Prime Minister aware that Sir Cecil Hurst subsequently gave an explanation of what he said at his Press interview that, if existing extraditional machinery was inappropriate to the circumstances, some new arrangement might—note the word "might"—be insisted on to ensure surrender; and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is essential for Great Britain, America and Russia to take immediate steps to warn neutrals that they will not be permitted to shelter Hitler and other Nazi criminals from receiving punishment at the end of hostilities?
§ The Prime MinisterOdd as it may seem, the point has not entirely escaped the notice of the Government. I notice 33 that a number of neutrals have already made satisfactory statements upon the subject, but it is not our intention to allow the escape of these men to be effected without exerting almost every resource which civilised Powers can contemplate.
§ Mr. GoldieWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the precedent in the case of Napoleon, who, after all, remained a British prisoner of war several years after the cessation of hostilities?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not see that it occurs at all. Napoleon gave himself up, and threw himself upon the mercy of Britain, and he was kept for the rest of his life as a prisoner of State.
§ Mr. John DugdaleDoes the right hon. Gentleman include Spain among those countries which have given satisfactory assurances?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think I have noticed any particular pronouncement on the subject.
§ Mr. LipsonMay I ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the public concern over this matter, it will be possible for a full report of what Sir Cecil Hurst actually said to be made available to Members of the House?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, what Sir Cecil Hurst says is compressed, superseded and, if necessary, over-ridden, by what is said on behalf of His Majesty's Government.