HC Deb 24 January 1945 vol 407 cc792-3
13. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what penal code is to be used in the definition and trial of crimes alleged against persons in Greece to whom, if they are found guilty, [...]promised amnesty will not apply.

Mr. Eden

I assume that the penal code will be the Greek Penal Code and that the normal processes of Greek law will be followed.

Mr. Driberg

When the right hon. Gentleman says "the Greek Penal Code" does he mean the code that obtained under the Metaxas régime, or what?

Mr. Eden

I mean the present Greek Penal Code. I am afraid that I do not carry in my head the date of its origin. It might go back a long way further.

Mr. Driberg

If it dates from the régime of Metaxas—which was a dictatorship—is there not a danger that it might include penalties for political offences, such as penalties for holding certain opinions?

Mr. Eden

I think it has been made as clear as language can make it that the offence of bearing arms against the State in these circumstances will not be included among the charges tried.