HC Deb 10 March 1958 vol 584 cc30-2
47. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, since 10th July, 1957, the German Federal Government has been investigating allegations 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 Nazi laws: what recent consultations he has had about this matter with the other parties to the Potsdam Agreements; what representation he has made to the German Federal Government; what is the reason for this continued delay before the publication of the Federal German Government's report on their investigations; and when he hopes to make a statement to the House of Commons.

Mr. Ian Harvey

Yes, Sir. This is a matter for the German Federal and Land Governments. Under any democratic system which has concern for rights and reputations of individuals, an investigation of this kind inevitably takes time and my right hon. and learned Friend will not be in a position to make a statement until the investigation has been completed.

Mr. Lewis

That was the answer we had last July. Cannot the hon. Gentleman suggest to the Bonn Government that they should give him at least an interim reply so that we can have some information about the matter before Her Majesty's present Government leave office in two years? The way we are going on, I shall be wearing a beard before I receive an answer on this subject.

Mr. Harvey

An interim reply would not be of very great value, but we are prepared to look into the matter further.

Mr. S. Silverman

Does the hon. Member remember that I asked a question about this of his right hon. and learned Friend as long ago as the early part of last July, that is to say, some eight or nine months ago? Does he not further realise that a great many facts are known about it, that it should not be very difficult to find out how many of these people are occupying these posts, and that if he leaves it too long a vested interest will be created with which it will be very hard afterwards to interfere? Does not the hon. Member think, however much we may have forgotten in the past twelve years the events which took place beforehand, these people are not fit to be associated at least with the administration of justice? Will not the Government do something about the matter?

Mr. Harvey

I appreciate and sympathise with the sentiments expressed by the hon. Member, but they do not have very much bearing on this position, because we have to elucidate the facts as opposed to allegations, and I have already told the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis) that we will look into the matter further.

Mr. J. Hynd

The Minister has not referred to the Potsdam Agreements mentioned in the Question. Can he make it clear whether the terms of the Potsdam Agreements are recognised as accepted by all parties?

Mr. Harvey

That is inherent in the reply I have given. We have a continuing interest, or otherwise we would not be in a position to make the inquiries I have indicated.