§ 5. Mr. S. Silvermanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, contrary to the Potsdam Agreements, about 200 persons are now employed either as judges or public prosecutors who were personally concerned as judges in the infliction of death and other heavy sentences for offences against the Nuremberg and other Nazi laws; what consultations he has had about this matter with the other parties to the Potsdam Agreements; and what representations concerning it he has made or will make to the German Federal Government.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydI am aware that allegations of this nature have been made 352 recently, apparently originating in East Germany. I am informed that the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany have already initiated an investigation into these allegations. In the circumstances I think it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
§ Mr. SilvermanI thank the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that Answer, and I do not expect him to comment further while the investigation is proceeding, but will he at any rate assure the House that he will keep the matter in mind and make sure that the investigation is not delayed, and report to the House when he has the result of it?
§ Mr. LloydThe fact is that since 5th May, 1955, the appointment of judges is a matter falling within the full jurisdiction of the Federal German Government and the Governments of the German Länder. Nevertheless, I can assure the hon. Member that we retain an interest in this matter and that we shall follow it up.
§ Mr. SilvermanI fully appreciate that since the date mentioned by the right hon. and learned Gentleman these matters fall to be decided by the sovereign authority which we have accorded to West Germany, but does he nevertheless agree that that does not enable us to abdicate any of our responsibilities under the Agreements we made before that?