GERMAN AFFAIRS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3513, 12 July 1921, Page 17

GERMAN AFFAIRS.

GERMAN WAR CRIMINALS. LEIPZIG, .July 3. Giving evidence before the Supreme Court Hr Wenger said that after the battle of Saar burg in 1914 iie took over the medical charge of two wounded French prisoners. A corporal informed him later that they had been shot by order of Major Crusius. The authorities are attempting to show that Major Criisius was mentally deficient, with a view to rebutting his statement that Lieuten-ant-general Stenger ordered the execution, of the prisoners. July 7. Major Crusius has been convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 29 months’ imprisonment and deprived of his right to wear his uniform. Lieutenant-General Stengel was acquitted. A sensation was caused in French circles. A high judicial authority who attended the trial described the sentence as scandalous. Crusius had been proved to have personally murdered wounded prisoners. [Lieutenant-general Stengel was charged with issuing an order to slaughter wounded and unwounded prisoners. Major Crusius was charged with shooting prisoners.] PARIS, July 8. Le Matin says that M. Briand has recalled the mission which was appointed to watch the Leipzig trials. M. Briand explains that the presence of the French Mission is not only useless but derisive. BERLIN, July 9. The recall of the French Commission from Leipzig has produced an enormous effect in political circles, which now expect that France will again insist upon the extradition of war criminal. PROSPECT OF REMOVAL OF SANCTIONS. PARIS, July 4. The Era Nouvelle, in a statement which is believed to be inspired, says that Britain, Belgium, and Italy think tliat the moment has arrived to remove the sanctions. France is i*eady to agree to this if Berlin continues to keep its engagements, especially regarding disarmament. GERMAN BANKRUPTCIES. BERLIN, July 6. German bankruptcies for the half year ended June numbered 1573, compared with 447 for the same period in 1920. This is ascribed to the falling prices compelling manufacturers to sell at a loss. The figures nevertheless are far below the prewar average.