THE EARL OF CORK AND ORRERYasked His Majesty's Government whether a review has been held of the sentences of imprisonment passed on the two survivors of the five prisoners in what is known as the "Peleus" trial, and if so with what result.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (LORD HENDERSON)The sentences imposed on two of the accused in the "Peleus" trial have, in common with all sentences of imprisonment passed by British military courts on German war criminals, recently been reviewed by a board appointed for the purpose. In the case of Lenz, who was sentenced to life imprisonment, no reduction of sentence was recommended: in the case of Schwender, who was sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment, the board recommended a reduction of sentence to ten years' imprisonment. The High Commissioner in Germany, who is now responsible for the exercise of clemency in respect of war criminals undergoing sentence in the British Zone of Germany, has adopted the board's recommendations in respect of both men. The reduction of Schwender's sentence was put into effect by an order dated 2nd February, 1950.