§ 9. Major Tufton Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the conduct of the trial of Dr. Maniu in Roumania, and say what is His Majesty's Government's view of the processes of this trial in the light of Article 3 of the Peace Treaty recently concluded with Roumania.
§ Mr. MayhewThe conduct of the trial of Dr. Maniu and his associates followed the usual lines of Eastern European political trials, and left much to be desired by western standards. However, the full reports of the trials have not yet been received and meanwhile I am considering whether the processes of the trial itself are a matter covered by Article 3 of the Peace Treaty with Roumania.
§ Major BeamishWhen will the hon. Gentleman be in a position to give the House more information regarding this so-called trial, which marks the culmination of the stamping out of the legal opposition in Roumania?
§ Mr. MayhewWe should be in a position to answer further questions very shortly.
§ Mr. PiratinWould the hon. Gentleman say that the trial, held recently, of Mr. Caunt, under Mr. Justice Birkett, was typical of western democratic standards?
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksIs it not a fact that all trials of political prisoners by military tribunals are contrary to Article 3 of the Peace Treaty?
§ Mr. MayhewI could not say without notice.
§ Mr. Ronald ChamberlainIn view of Dr. Maniu's advanced age, and state of health, will my hon. Friend consider making representations for clemency, as was done in the case of Archbishop Stepinac?