§ 47. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Prime Minister whether he will represent to Dr. Adenauer that the elevation to the judiciary in the German Federal Republic of 1,000 ex-Nazis, who, as judges in Hitler's special and military courts, were responsible for crimes against humanity, conflicts with the de-Nazification provisions of the Potsdam Treaty; and if he will request him to investigate the matter with a view to taking appropriate action.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have been asked to reply.
1345 No, Sir. The responsibility for de-Nazification and the judicial appointments in the Federal Republic is a matter for the German authorities, and we are confident that they will ensure that all allegations made in good faith will be adequately investigated.
§ Mr. ZilliacusWould the right hon. Gentleman ask for some statement from the German Government as to what is being done in this respect? Would he also draw attention to the increasing danger from ex-Nazi generals and S.S. colonels in the Bundeswehr and the police force in Western Germany?
§ Mr. ButlerI will only remind the House that the responsibility has lain with the German Government in these matters since 1949. The Bonn Convention, which entered into force in May, 1955, stated that the Federal Republic had full authority over its internal affairs. I agree that Her Majesty's Government have an interest in the matter, but at the moment I have nothing to add. We are noting the hon. Member's request.