HC Deb 10 November 1948 vol 457 cc191-2W
78. Mr. Ward

asked the Secretary of State for War to state the charges against the three German field-marshals who have been detained in close confinement in Germany for more than three months.

Mr. M. Stewart

It is not possible to frame the detailed charges until all the evidence has been sifted and many thousands of documents analysed. On 29th August the officers were informed in writing of the broad nature of the charges which might be laid against them. It is hoped that it will be possible to give particulars of more specific charges in the near future.

79. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the memorandum prepared by the U.S. authorities on the probable guilt of the German field-marshals now detained at Hamburg has yet been handed to them for their examination.

Mr. M. Stewart

No. It is not proposed to hand it to them. This memorandum deals with some only of the allegations which will be made against the officers and also contains matters which will not be the subject of trial. It is not, therefore, a document which should be given to the accused, quite apart from the fact that there has not yet been an opportunity to check and substantiate the whole of its contents.