ENEMY CRIMES.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 14184, 16 April 1919, Page 5

ENEMY CRIMES.

COMMISSION’S REPORT

MR MASSEY PRAISED,

[Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Tuesday, 5.5 p.tti.) LONDON, April 14. The recommendations of the Commission in regard to breaches of the laws of war arc now before the Supreme Council, and it is practically certain > that the verdict of the international jury will be endorsed, and the findings adopted. The main counts, of the indictment * are as follows: — 1. —The war was premediated by the Central Powers, Turkey and Bulgaria, and was the result of deliberate acts which make it unavoidable. 2. —That Germany deliberately worked to defeat the Entente’s conciliatory proposals That the neutrality of Belgium and Luxemburg had been deliberately violated. 3. —That the war had been carried on by the Central Empires and their allies by barbarous methods. 4. —That the facts of the crimes which were enumerated in the 32 different categories, but were incomplete, were indisputably vouched for and cry for justice. 5. —That all the offenders, irrespective of rank, including the heads of the States, bo liable to criminal prosecution.

6. —That an international tribunal and national tribunals be established for the trial of guilty persons. - 7. —That the Allied powers take steps to secure the surrender by neutral Governments of persons within their territories for trial Jjy such courts. Many tributes were paid to Mr Massey for his work as a member of the commission, and chairman of the subcommission of Facts and Drafting Corn-

mitteo. Mr Pollock, Solicitor-General, in a notable letter to Mr Massey, refers to Mr Massey’s determination and diplomacy, and" says: “ I speak on behalf of the Attorney-General, as well as myself, when I ask you to accept our gratitude, also our appreciation of the way in which you fulfilled your double duties as a member of the commission and the chairman of the sub-commis-sion. Without skill and judgment your task, as chairman, might have proved interminable and it is to your power of getting the sub-commission to work discriminately and to co-operate together that we owe the succinct and accurate table of facts that forms part of our complete report.” Mr Massey left to-day on an official visit to London.