HL Deb 18 October 1944 vol 133 c611

2.52 p.m.

LORD FARINGDON

My Lords, I beg to ask the question on the Paper in my name.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will propose to the other Governments of the United Nations that steps be taken to obtain the names of those responsible for and guilty of the murders at Buchenwald with a view to their punishment.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, as was stated in another place on behalf of His Majesty's Government on October 4, His Majesty's Government have this whole question under consideration. Quite apart from the practical difficulties of obtaining information at this stage concerning crimes committed by Germans against German nationals in Germany, such crimes, however atrocious, are in a different category from war crimes and cannot be dealt with under the procedure already elaborated in agreement between United Nations Governments. Pending further consideration of this matter, which is now taking place, I am not in a position to make any statement.