HC Deb 27 September 1944 vol 403 cc211-2
5. Sir P. Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make a further statement on the protest made to the German Government through the Protecting Power on the murder of 19 members of the Canadian Forces by a Panzer division in Normandy in July.

Mr. Eden

The Protecting Power made, on behalf of all His Majesty's Governments and the Government of India, strong representations to the German Government on 5th August demanding in their names an immediate and searching investigation, the punishment of all German officers and men responsible for this flagrant violation of the laws and customs of war and the issue of strict orders which will prevent the repetition of such an occurrence. No reply to these representations has yet been received and at our request the Protecting Power are pressing the German Government for an answer.

Sir P. Hannon

Is it not a fact that protests of this kind are repeatedly made, and have had no decent reply from the German Government at all at any time?

Mr. Eden

I do not think I can go as far as to say that. In this particular instance, however, I have made the position clear.

Sir P. Hannon

Does not that indicate the quality of the German people to some of their friends?

Mr. Eden

I do not think anybody anywhere has any doubt about that.