WAR CRIMINALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25866, 9 June 1945, Page 7

WAR CRIMINALS

DELAY IN TRIAL PROCEDURE AN AMERICAN WARNING WASHINGTON, (Rec. 9.30 p.m.) June 7. “We will accuse a large number of individuals and officials who were in authority in the Government, in military establishments, including the General Staff, and in the financial, industrial, and economic life of Germany, who can be proved to be common criminals,” said Mr Justice Jackson, in reporting to President Truman. “We also propose to establish the criminal character of several voluntary organisations. If these are found to be crim.nal an individual member’s only defence will be personal extenuation, such as the claim that he participated under duress. The burden of proving that defence will be the responsibility of the accused.” , ,

Mr Justice Jackson revealed that many suspected war criminals were already in United States hands. He said their custody and treatment appeared to require immediate attention. He asked the War Department to deny them the privileges to which their rank entitled them, if merely prisoners of war. Mr Justice Jackson has given instructions that suspects ■ should be denied access to the press and held in close confinement, such as is ordinarily given to suspected criminals. . -Mr Justice Jackson held an extended conference while in London with the Attorney-general (Sir Donhld Somervell), and in consequence the British are taking steps along the same lines as America to clear military and localised cases for immediate trial and to effect a complete interchange of evidence and co-ordination in the preparation of cases by British and American representatives. He said no substantial differences exist between the American and United Kingdom representatives and minor d’fferences have been adjusted without difficulty. France has accepted the principle of a military tribunal and :s expected to appoint a representative shortly. Russia, while not yet committed, has been kept informed of the steps taken. “ There is no reason to doubt,” he said, “ that Russia will become associated in the prosecution. We propose to make provision for other Allied countries to do the same.”

Mr Justice Jackson warned against dilatory tactics in the trial procedure. He said: The trials should not be regarded in the same light as those under the American system, where the defence is a matter of constitutional right, but fair hearings for the accused are. of course, reauired to ensure that we punish only the right men for the right reasons. Failure to try these accused would mock the dead and make cynics of those living.