THE GREAT CRIME

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 19 April 1919, Page 2

THE GREAT CRIME

INDICTMEENT OF THE ENEMY. WAK DELIBERATELY CAUSED. WORK OF ME MASSEY’S COMMISSION. London, April 13. Official. —The recommendations from the Commission on breaches of the laws of war are now before the Supreme Council. It is practically certain that tho verdict of ihe international jury will bo endorsed, and the findings adopted. The main counts in the indictment are:—

The war, premeditated by the Central Powers, Turkey, and Bulgaria, was the result of deliberate acts to make it unavoidable.

Germany deliberately worked to defeat the conciliatory proposals of the Entente Powers.

The neutrality of Belgium and Luxemburg was deliberately violated. The war was carried on by the Central Empires and their allies by barbarous methods. The facts of the crimes are enumerated in thirty-two different categories, and though these are incomplete, they are indisputably vouched for, and cry for justice.

All offenders, irrespective of rank, and including the heads of States, are liable to criminal prosecution. An international tribunal and natisnal tribunals should fie established for the trial of the guilty persons. The Allied Powers should take steps to secure the surrender by neutral Governments of persons within their territories for trial by such courts. Many tributes have been paid to Mr Massey. (Prime Minister of New Zealand) for his work as a member of the Commission and a chairman of the subcommission on the facts and of the drafting committee. Sir Ernest 'Pollock, K.C., Solicitor-General, in a notable letter to Mr Massey, refers to the latter’s determination and diplomacy and says; "I speak on behalf of the Attorney-Gen oral as well as myself, when ! ask you to accept out gratitude and our appreciation of the way la which yoa have fulfilled your double duties a« a member of the Commission and chairman of the sab-commission. Without skill and judgment your task as chairman might have proved interminable. arid-it is to your power of getting the xub-eomiasssios to work discriminate!;.-. and to co-operate together, that we owe the succinct und accurate table of .facts that-font* part of our complete report.” Mr Massey left to-day on unofficial visit to London. *