RESPONSIBILITY FOR WAR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1966, 17 April 1919, Page 3

RESPONSIBILITY FOR WAR.

REPORT OF COMMISSION,

MR. MASSEY EULOGISED

■JL London, April 11. . recommendations of the Commission in regard to breaches of The laws of war are now before the Supreme Council, and it is practically certain that fjie verdict of the international jijry .will be endorsed, and the findings adopted. The main counts of the indictment are as follows : 1. The war was premeditated by the Central Powers, Turkey and Bulgaria, and was the result of deliberate acts which made it unavoidable. 2. That- Germany deliberately ■ . worked to defeat the Entente’s conciliatory proposals. That the neutrality of Belgium and Luxemburg had been deliberately violated. 3. That the war had been carried ' on by the Central Empires and their allies by barbarous methods. . 4. That the facts of the crimes \vhieli were enumerated in the 32 different categories, tail were in-

complete, were indisputably vouched for and cry for justice. 5. That ail the offenders, irrespective of rank, including the heads of States, be liable to criini l

nal prosecution. 6. That an international tribunal and national tribunals be established fur the trial of guilty persons. 7. That the Allied Powers take steps to secure the surrender by neutral Governments of persons jMvifhin their territories for trial by such courts. Many tributes were paid to Mr Massey for his Avork as a member of the commission, and chairman of the sub-commission of Facts and Drafting Committee. Mr Pollock, Solicitor-General, in a notable letter (<> Mr Massey, refers ((, Mr Massey's determination and diplomacy, and says; “1 speak on behalf of the Attorney-General, as well as myself, when Task you to accept our gratitude, also our ap-

prociafion of (he way in which you I fulfilled' your double duties as a. of (he commission and the chairman of (lie sub-commission. Without skill and judgment your (ask, as might have proved interminable, and it is to your power of. getting"the sub-com-mission to work discriminatcly and to co-opora(c together (hat we owe the succinct and accurate table of facts that forms part of our complete reporl.” Mr Massey left to-day on an ofli* cial visit |o London.