TRIALS OF WAR CRIMINALS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23323, 5 October 1945, Page 5

TRIALS OF WAR CRIMINALS

Special Australian Courts (9.50 p.m.) CANBERRA, Oct. 4. Power for the Australian Court to sentence to death war criminals guilty of atrocities and outrages is provided in a Bill for the trial and punishment of war criminals, introduced in the House of Representatives to-day by the Minister of Defence (Mr J. A. Beasley). “There will be no delay in dealing with war criminals,” Mr Beasley promised. “The Special Courts are to be military tribunals functioning along the lines of a field general courtmartial. They will consist of not less than three officers with power to include officers of any Allied or associated Power.” Mr Beasley said that the Courts would not be bound by the ordinary rules of evidence. They will have wide scope and will have power to sit either within or outside the limits of the Commonwealth to try persons charged with war crimes committed against persons resident at any time in Australia. against British subjects or persons from alien or associated nations. Punishments range from death to a fine of any amount. Sentences are to be carried out In those places where their effect will be most impressive. “The measure is necessary to deal adequately and expeditiously with war criminals," Mr Beasley concluded.