HL Deb 17 July 1990 vol 521 cc753-4

2.55 p.m.

Lord Bethell asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have requested the Soviet Government to investigate the role of General Piotr Karpovich Soprunenko in the mass murder of more than 15,000 Polish officers at Katyn and other sites in 1940, with a view to his possible prosecution as a war criminal.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Brabazon of Tara)

My Lords, the Soviet authorities' recent admission that the NKVD were responsible for the massacre at Katyn was very welcome. In view of the longstanding concern in this country over the Katyn massacre, we will be asking the Soviet authorities whether the allegations against General Soprunenko are well-founded, and whether they intend to pursue them.

Lord Bethell

My Lords, I am extremely grateful to my noble friend for that very gratifying reply. Is he aware how particularly pleasing that will be to the Polish community in this country, many of whom lost relatives during the Katyn massacre? Does the Minister know how anxious they are that justice should be done in this terrible matter albeit 50 years after the event? I ask my noble friend or his right honourable friend to point out to Soviet representatives that a war crime is a war crime whether authorised by Hitler or Stalin, and that if we in Britain are expected to bring war criminals to justice, the Soviet Union must also look to those who committed atrocities and war crimes under Stalin's orders.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I shall certainly take note of my noble friend's suggestion and bring it to the attention of my right honourable friend. I shall also draw to the attention of the Soviets the concern that is felt in your Lordships' House this afternoon.

Lord Cledwyn of Penhros

My Lords, does the noble Lord agree that admission of this monstrous crime against humanity is a credit to President Gorbachev's policies? Is he further aware that there are reports of a massacre having taken place near Kharkov? Can the Minister say whether the Government are aware of that, whether there is any truth in it, and whether steps are being taken to reveal this matter as well?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, the fact that the Soviets have admitted to the crime at Katyn after so many years is a tribute to the openness of the policies adopted by President Gorbachev. We all welcome that. I am not aware myself of a possible massacre at Kharkov, though that does not mean that the Government are not aware of it. I shall certainly look into that matter.