THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government: How many Yugoslavs have been transferred from Italy, to the custody of the present Government of Yugoslavia, on the charge of being alleged "war criminals"; whether they will state what steps are taken to discover, before such persons are handed over, that there is real ground for proceeding against them for collaboration with the German 964WA forces; and whether they are satisfied that none is given up to probable execution after torture, merely because of anti-Communist views, or for being an opponent of the present regime in the country.
LORD PAKENHAMNo Yugoslavs have been surrendered to the Government of Yugoslavia on the charge of being alleged war criminals. I presume that this question refers to the 29 Yugoslavs who have been transferred from Italy to Yugoslavia as traitors and collaborators. The charges brought against such persons by the Yugoslav authorities are checked by reference to any sources of information available to His Majesty's Government and also by examination of the accused. Since, moreover, Italy is an area of joint Anglo-United States command each decision to hand over an alleged traitor requires the assent of the United States Government as well as of His Majesty's Government. As regards the last part of the question, His Majesty's Government are satisfied that no accused persons have been handed over without a strongprima facie case having first been established against them.
House adjourned at sixteen minutes before eight o'clock.