HC Deb 01 December 1947 vol 445 cc7-8
16. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the screening of the Yugoslavs' now detained at Munster Lager will be completed; and whether arrangements can now be made to return on parole those of them on whom the camp commandant considers he can rely to the displaced persons camps where their friends and relatives await them.

Mr. Mayhew

The interrogation of these Yugoslavs has now been completed. Thirty-nine of them were found not to be identical with men whose surrender has been demanded by the Yugoslavs, and instructions have been given for their release. The cases of the remainder will be reviewed by a panel of British legal experts to see whether a prima facie case of wilful and active collaboration has been established against them. It is hoped that the final decision in their case will be taken shortly. In view of the gravity of the charges alleged against them, His Majesty's Government are not prepared to grant them parole.

Mr. Stokes

In view of the fact that this screening has now been completed, can my hon. Friend assure me that after a decision has been taken, those whom it has been decided to return forcibly to Yugoslavia will be given an opportunity to state a further case, giving reasons why they should not be so returned?

Mr. Mayhew

I cannot give an assurance that they will be given a further chance of stating their case themselves, but we carefully review these cases before they are handed back, even after they have been reviewed by the local tribunal to which I have referred.

Mr. Stokes

Is my hon. Friend aware and is his right hon. Friend aware that the arrangement in Yugoslavia now is of such a nature that no competent lawyer may defend any so-called war criminal, except in the interests of the State, which is the usual Communist dodge, and, therefore, they get no fair trial at all?

Mr. Mayhew

We are aware of the conditions regarding the administration of justice in Yugoslavia.

Mr. Vane

Will the hon. Gentleman not forget the case of one Yugoslav officer whom we encouraged to return to Yugoslavia, and who committed suicide on the steps of the British Embassy in Belgrade?

Mr. S. Silverman

Is it not a fact that at the Nuremberg Trials we prevented British lawyers from representing any of the accused.

Mr. Stokes

Quite shamefully.

Mr. Mayhew

This is getting wide of the original Question. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put a Question down.

Back to
Forward to