WAR CRIMINALS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23216, 1 June 1945, Page 6

WAR CRIMINALS

Trial Arrangements LONDON, May 30. The British Government has had very useful consultations on war criminals with Mr Justice Jackson, which has resulted in great progress being made, Mr Anthony Eden told the House of Commons. Judge Jackson, who is the principal American representative at the United Nations’ conference opening in London on Thursday to decide on the methods for the trial of war criminals, has had to return to the United States to attend the closing sessions of the Supreme Court. In a statement to-day, Judge Jackson said that the preparation of the American case would not be interrupted, and he hoped to return in about a fortnight. He had conferred with the Attorney-General. Sir Maxwell Fyfe, so that the British and American cases would be co-ordinated. “At no time has any substantial difference of opinion developed as to procedures.” Judge Jackson added. “We are progressing rapidly.” Representatives of 16 nations will meet under the chairmanship of Lord Wright, chairman of the War Crimes Commission. Delegates to the conference will consist of officers appointed by each country taking part to secure evidence of crimes committed against their own people within their own boundaries.

The nations to be represented are Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Czechoslovakia. France. Greece, India, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Yugoslavia.

The conference will sit in private session, as, discussions will concern war criminals still at large. National officers, when evidence of war crimes is secured, will submit particulars to the War Crimes Commission, which decides if there is A prima facie case against the accused. If there is, the particulars of the case are sent to the military authorities so that the criminal may be apprehended. In this way both major and lesser criminals are caught in the net of justice. Besides Lord Wright, LieutenantColonel J. Oldham and Flying Officer G. Bridgeland will represent Australia and Mr Burdekin New Zealand at the United Nations War Crimes conference opening in London to-morrow. Chinese delegates flew specially from San Francisco.