DEALING WITH WAR CRIMINALS

Chronicle (Levin), 12 August 1947, Page 4

DEALING WITH WAR CRIMINALS

— . MR. C. B. BURDER1N TELLS 0F COMIISSION'S WORK ■' , j

The number of ca'ses Tbrought for investigation b.y New Zealand to the War Crimes Commission was in the "vicinity of l'bO, but only ab'out a dozen had so far been "sheeted home" • ahd the offenders punished, said Mr. C. B. Burdekin, O.B.E., when speaking to Levin Rotarians at a luncheoh yesterday. Collecting evidence against alleged war criminals was an exceedingly difficult task, continued Mr. Burdekin. ManxJV suspects had either been killed, changed their^names or were r difficult to trace owing to vague descriptions given of thehi by witnesses. ■ ' ' ■ ' ■ » . ■ I

Quoting an ihstance, Mr. Burdekin stated that during one New Zealand case a German guard was said to haye -been known as "Pinto Pete." Such nick-names were often encountered so that trackmg •down' a suspect in -the Gei'mari ranks was no ' easy task. Men's memories were short and there were quite a number of returned men who were not anxious ' th' give evidence against German soldiers. Looking back over the- incidents they were fnclined to think that a-fter all it had been war, and these things had to be expected. Though a British prisoner-of-war's life had not been a "bed of roses," generally speaking. they had not. been so badly treate'd in comparison, to the Russians and French. Secur-ing the surrender of suspects who had sought refuge in neutral countries was another difficulty which faced the commission, said Mr; Burdekin. In this regard they had not had complete success. Neutral countries were jealous of their independence, and some were reluctant to hand over anyone unless they were known war criminals. There was no binding authority to compel them to. The speaker, who has for the past 27 years been on the New Zealand High Commissioner's staff in Great Britain, • was also the Dominion's representative on the War Crimes Commission. The establishment of . the War Crimes Commission had been brought about to avoid a repetitior. of the farcicial trials of war criminals of the last war by German courts, said Mr. Burdekin. An outstanding feature of the commission was the harmony in which the various nations represented on it had worked together. Russia was not ircluded as it had withdrawn following a refusal by the commission to allow it 16 re'presentatives, one for each of the Soviet Republics. Three was the most that was conceded — one each for Soviet Russia, White Russia and the Ukraine. The function of the commissiofi was not to conduct the trials — that was done by courts in the various zones — but to lay down gereral principles, particularly in borderlifie cases of which there were many. The commission received the various charges and statemente of evidence, formulated the lisis of alleged war criminals and facilitated the bringing of -the men. to justice. Many people were inclined to think that the trial of war criminals was a waste of time. Though there might be a good deal to be said for this point of view, -it was necessary to bring home to the people -the sanctity of international law and demonstrate to the world at large, that however exalted a

person 's station might be, he could still be brought to book. A new principle in international law was brought to light during the Nu'remburg trals, continued Mr. Burdekin, when the SS and G'e'stapo were declared eriminal organisations,v and that mere member-* ship was sufficient to warrant punishment. A very large number had been punished, he added. Those who had served in the SS were not difficult to pick out, as those initials were always to be four.d tattoed under the arms of members. * Many more war criminals thari people realised were being brought to justice, said Mr. Bui'dekin. Included in these were industrialists who were charged with financing the Nazi party ard utilising forced labour, and doctors .w-ho had been responsible for 'the deaths of people whom they used as human guinea pigs. The plea that they had acted on superior orders was put forward by many on trial for atrocities, and the shooting of airmen and other prisoners. This, however, was allowed only as an extenuating circumstance. Impressions of UNO The speaker, who was introduced by his brother, Mr. H. B. Burdekin, also spoke on his impressions of the United Nations Organisations, he havirg been the Dominion's representative at many of its conferences, and having also attended conferences of the League of Nations. "I don't claim to be an , authority on international affairs, but I did get the opportunity of studying the back stage arrangements," said the speaker. * Following a review of the set up of ' the UNO, Mr. Burdekin said *that the impression gained by many New Zealanders of UNO was that of endless conferences, and they were inclined to think of it as a "lot of talk" and question what good would come of it. Though there certainly was a great deal of discussion much of it might not meet with immediate success, some of it would have results which might not be roticea-ble at the tim'e. It was difficult to develop a true nternational spirit, as delegates .vere looking for advantages for "heir own countries. There was also a background of Jealousy and ^uspicion, based on historical backgrounds, which made it difficult to achieve immediate results-. The UNO was, however, getting great results in spite of it all. To his mind it was esseniial that nations ven.ilate their grievances. There was always the possibility of friction arising, and we should rot expect great things to be achieved in a short time. Perseverance would make UNO a success.