GERMAN THREAT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24775, 24 December 1943, Page 7

GERMAN THREAT

TRIAL OF PRISONERS BRITISH AND AMERICAN REPRISALS FOR KHARKOV (Reed. 5.:1f. p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 22 "(ierman military courts in the near future will have to deal with British and American prisoners open to charges of serious infringement of international law," said the (ierman Foreign Office spokesman, Dr. Schmidt, at a press conference, at which correspondents repeatedly questioned Dr. Schmidt regarding threatened reprisals for the Kharkov trials. The spokesman refused to answer a foreign correspondent who a.sked if the air terror could be regarded as an infringement of international law. Asked whether, in view of the British and [American leaders' constant preoccupai tion with the subject of war criminals, some German reaction could be expected, Dr. Schmidt answered "Yes," and promised early elucidation. Charge Against Russians The Berlin news agency, commenting on Dr. Schmidt's statement, said: "Jt remains to be seen how wide will he the scope given trial by military courts. There is no doubt in Berlin that measures taken by Germany will at all times be in accord with existing international agreements. This will contrast with the incredible infringement of the Hague Convention and all other agreements for the protection of war prisoners committed at the Kharkov 'show trial,' the issue of which had been prejudiced." An official German statement on the Kharkov trial quoted by .the German news agency says: "Since Roosevelt and Churchill are associated with these trials, German military courts will soon deal with British and American prisoners who are guilty of a serious breach of international law, although they have not yet been brought to trial."

Torture Alleged The Stockholm correspondent of the

British United Press says that a German Foreign Office statement telling the German people of the Kharkov executions describes the charges as mad and stupid. The statement continued: "Defenceless German prisoners of war are being forced by torture and by a wearing down of nerves to send collective appeals to the German people or be condemned individually." The official statement added: "The Kharkov trial was the sort of thing the Germans expected of Bolshevik brutality. The fact, however, that the trial was carried out in accordance with principles agreed on by Roosevelt. Churchill and Stalin gave it a different aspect." The Stockholm Afton Tidningen says: "It is not impossible that Germa,n reprisals for the Kharkov sentences will he taken against American airmen in German prison camps. Germany has reached inflation with Russian lives and is therefore turning to American currency. The Germans probably consider they can thereby force American pressure against Moscow, It can hardly be believed, however, that such a German manoeuvre will halt the Russian prosecution of war criminals. Judging from these signs, the war will become grimmer still before it ends." Mr. Churchill Informed

The Daily Express says that _ Mr. Churchill is giving personal attention to the situation created by the German threat to try British and American prisoners of war. The Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden, as soon as the news of the German threat reached London, sent a message to Mr. Churchill, who is well enough to deal with urgent official work. The threat will be considered by the British, American, Russian and Dominion Governments and the decisions will he sent through Switzerland to Berlin.

Strong action will be undertaken to enforce international law, continues the Daily Express, but reprisals in kind are unlikely. It will be made clear that anyone participating in trials of our men will he considered war criminals to be dealt with when the time comes. It has been known for some time that the Germans are planning reprisals against prisoners because air raids are killing civilians. The Kharkov trial is believed to have been seized upon as an excuse.