§ 57 and 58. Mr. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he is aware that, since early July, 1957, the German Federal Government have 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 under Nazi laws; what recent consultations he has had about this matter with the other parties to the Potsdam Agreement; what representation he has made to the German Federal Government; and when he hopes to make a statement to the House;
(2) whether he is aware that Dr. Muks, Senior Judge of the Provincial Court at Hamm, Germany, Dr. Werner Rohde, Government Counsellor in the Ministry of Justice of Schleswig-Holstein, Dr. Brenstedt, Dr. Kohlstadt, Dr. Dannegger, Dr. Ludwig, Dr. Rehder-Knospel, and Dr. Ernst Kanter are all holding judicial positions in Germany; and, as these appointments are contrary to paragraphs 6 and 8 of the Potsdam Agreement, what action he proposes to take to secure their removal.
§ Mr. Ian Harvey; The hon. Gentleman was informed on 5th May about the occasions on which this question had been 104W discussed with the German authorities. It was discussed most recently with them on 7th November. My right hon. and learned Friend understands that the Federal and Länder Ministers of Justice have agreed to set up a central authority to co-ordinate the investigation and prosecution by the Länder judicial authorities of crimes committed during the Nazi period. The Ministers of Justice of the Länder are at present in process of organising this authority.