GERMANY'S EXCUSE.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 24, 28 January 1921, Page 5

GERMANY'S EXCUSE.

TRIAL OF WAR CRIMINALS. * LONG DELAY EXPLAINED. REI-LIX, January 27. The German Minister of Justice (Herr Heinzei. speaking in the Reichstag, said that Germany had been reproached because of the few trials of war criminals that had been concluded. Such reproaches were unjust, because the immense difficulties had not been taken into consideration, especially in connection with the difference of procedure in various countries with regard to evidence taken on commission. It was also to be remembered that many of the alleged crimes were committed sir. years ago. and after such a lapse of time the impressions of witnesses were not clear. Italy. Serbia, and Rumania had not yet complied with requests for evidence, while France and Belgium had only partially complied. Britain had complied, though the Attorney-General stated that tbe evidence was incomplete.

Hen* Heinze added that he had offered to rend a legal representative to Brussels, Paris, and London to explain the difficulties. Britain had consented, and a representative would visit London next week. Herr Heinze added: "We cannot convict anyone whose guilt is not proved."—iA. and N.Z. Cable.)