HC Deb 19 December 1945 vol 417 cc1316-7
12. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Attorney-General whether he will consider publishing as a White Paper the evidence gathered from the interrogation of the German Generals, Haller and Keitel, and that produced in the course of the Nuremberg Trial, indicating that Germany was unable at Munich to challenge an Anglo-Franco-Soviet combination, that Hitler had told his General Staff that he would call off the attack on Czechoslovakia if France and Great Britain offered resistance, and that German generals had planned to depose and arrest Hitler if he did go to war.

The Solicitor-General (Major Sir Frank Soskice)

The matter is at present sub judice and the question whether a White Paper should be published dealing with particular aspects of the evidence, some of which has not yet been used at the trial, is one which must await the end of the proceedings. In the meantime I must not be taken as agreeing that the effect of the evidence considered as a whole is as indicated in the question. A transcript of the proceedings before the Tribunal from day to day is being made available in the Library and arrangements are now being made for this transcript to be printed.

Mr. Zilliacus

Is it not a fact that the interrogation of General Haller and General Keitel took place several months ago, was not connected with the Nuremberg trials, and that the evidence is publicly available, and if so is it not in fact stated that there was a plot by German generals to overthrow Hitler if he went to war over Munich?

The Solicitor-General

A great deal of evidence is being produced, and will be produced before the tribunal, and it is obviously more satisfactory that the hon. Gentleman should consult the records and make up his own mind as to what exactly was said than that I should give piecemeal opinions as to parts of the evidence.

Earl Winterton

Is it not plain from the hon. and learned Gentleman's answer that there will be no submission to this House in the form of a White Paper of any evidence taken in this case while it is sub judice, and that only after a decision has been reached he will be prepared to answer questions?

The Solicitor-General

I cannot add to what I have said. It is a question which must await the end of the proceedings.