§ 35. Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the procedure adopted in the case of death sentences upon civilians passed by military courts in occupied Germany; and whether any form of appeal is to be instituted before the sentence is carried out.
Sir J. GriģģEvery sentence of death must be submitted for review at least by the district commander providing he holds a rank not lower than major-general. He may set aside the finding of guilty with or without ordering a new trial, or, if he confirms the finding, he may confirm, commute or remit the sentence. The sentence can only be put into execution if he confirms the finding and sentence in writing. He is assisted by qualified legal officers. The convicted person has no right of appeal to a higher court, but has the right to lodge a petition against conviction or sentence, or both, in which he, with the assistance of his legal adviser, is at liberty to set out any legal or factual argument in support of his case.