§ 56. Mr. Albuasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what requests His Majesty's High Commissioner in Germany has received from any of the 32 other High Commissioners for review of the sentences imposed by the Nuremberg Tribunal.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesNo such request has been received. There has been discussion at the High Commission on at least one occasion of the advisability of considering a review under the authority given in Article 29 of the Charter of the International Military Tribunal, but no recommendation on the point has been formulated.
§ Mr. AlbuIn considering this matter will my hon. Friend bear in mind that nine out of ten of these prisoners were sentenced, not for what are commonly known as war crimes committed in the heat of battle but for participating in mass murder in cold blood?
§ Mr. DaviesCertainly, Sir. His Majesty's Government have no intention of initiating a review of these prisoners' sentences.
§ Mr. Edward DaviesIn these important matters, which affect all countries, is there any discussion and agreement between the various High Commissioners before decisions are reached?
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesThis Question refers to the Nuremberg Tribunal, which was an international tribunal of the four Occupying Powers, and there would, therefore, have to be discussions between them before any action was taken.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanCan the Under-Secretary say what steps, if any, are taken to bring about any kind of co-ordination among the Powers who were Allies in the late war on these matters, which are obviously matters of common concern?
§ Mr. DaviesThis Question refers to the Nuremberg Tribunal, and in that respect there is complete discussion at the High Commission when the High Commission of the Four Powers meets regarding these matters. I should want notice of questions about those prisoners for whom the individual High Commissioners are responsible.