HC Deb 03 December 1951 vol 494 cc188-9W
63. Mr. Elwyn Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the circumstances which led to the temporary release from Werl Prison of the former S.S. General Kurt Meyer; and whether the Canadian Government was consulted or informed before this prisoner was released.

Mr. Eden

Meyer was released from Werl Prison on seven days' compassionate leave. The granting of leave for strong compassionate reasons or to attend to urgent family business is recognised German penal practice, which applies to the war criminals at Werl.

The Canadian Government were not consulted or informed before the prisoner was released on compassionate leave, but a Canadian Order in Council had previously enacted that Meyer would be dealt with in the same manner as the other prisoners detained at Werl.