TRIAL OF SOLDIERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 119, 22 May 1942, Page 5

TRIAL OF SOLDIERS

American Army Jurisdiction

In Australia

ARRANGEMENT DESIRED

Special Australian Correspondent. Rec. 9.30 a.m. SYDNEY, this day. The United States Army is tryinp to make an arrangement with the Federal Government by which members of the American Forces will be tried before army tribunals for all classes of offences, no matter where they are committed. It is not expected that any difficulties will be encountered in completing some such arrangement.

The present procedure is that Amprican Army authorities apply to the Courts before which American servicemen appear for permission to have the offenders dealt with by an army court-martial. The arrangement is working smoothly, but it is hoped that a general policy may now be defined. Assurances are said to have been given that the penalties imposed will certainly not be lighter, in fact, they will probably be heavier! than those a civil Court would impose. The Commonwealth Government will be saved the expenses of Court and prison administration. It is suggested that men found guilty of minor offences will be made to work out their punishment while continuing their army duties. In serious cases, such as murder or rape, when the penalties are death or life imprisonment, the United States Army is prepared to administer both punishments. Where damage to civilian property is involved, compensation rights will be secured by a claim on the United States Army.

As under King's Regulations, a soldier in the forces of the United States is subject to trial by courtmartial for any offence committed, no matter where it takes place. This does not affect the rights of civilian authorities to take action.