§ 27. Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in what respects the compensation laws recently agreed to by the German Parliament fail to implement the understandings reached in the Bonn Convention; with which other countries this problem has been discussed; in what form protests have been made to the German Government; what reply has been received; and whether he is aware of the widespread disappointment of people, other than Germans and Jews, who were persecuted by the Nazis, at the present failure of the German Government to comply with its obligations.
§ Lord John HopeIt is the view of Her Majesty's Government that under the Bonn Settlement Convention the Federal Republic of Germany assumed the obligation of making adequate compensation to Allied nationals who were victims of Nazi persecution, including those who were persecuted in consequence of participation in national resistance movements, and to stateless persons and refugees who suffered permanent injury to their health. The new legislation does not appear to make satisfactory provision for these classes of victims.
Her Majesty's Government's view has been stated on several occasions to the Government of the Federal Republic. This view is shared by a number of countries, and, shortly after the passage of the new legislation, we joined with the Governments of Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway in proposing to the Federal Government that a Working Group be set up to go into this matter and discuss remedies. The Federal Government have replied that they are considering this suggestion.
The answer to the last part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." Her Majesty's Government will continue to press their views in every suitable way.
§ Major BeamishIs my hon. Friend aware that, while it is usually an impertinence to try to interpret the views of the whole House, it would probably be difficult to find an hon. Member who does not feel very strongly indeed that the continued refusal of the German Government to live up to its clear moral obligations is something to which we all object?
§ Mr. ZilliacusWould the Government consider intimating to the German Government that, failing satisfaction on this question, they will bring Germany before the Permanent Court of International Justice on a charge of violating her obligations on a matter deeply affecting us and all humanity?
§ Lord John HopeWe had better see how things go before we decide what to do next.
§ Mr. YoungerIs the Joint Under-Secretary of State aware that his hon. and gallant Friend is for once right in saying that there is general agreement on these topics in all quarters of the House?