AUTHORS OF THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 April 1919, Page 5

AUTHORS OF THE WAR.

FIXING THE RESPONSIBILITY. AMERICAN DISSENT. Received April 20, 12.35 a.m. London, April 23. The Crimes Commission's report on the responsibility of the authors of the war shows that American and Japanese delegates dissented from the other delegates. The Americans disapprove of the trial of the ex-Kaiser by international tribunal on moral charges. They disagree with the whole methods by which the commission proposes to punish those guilty of plotting in connection with the war. They also protest against the commission including in the scope of its inquiry breaches of the laws of humanity. The majority report recommends t)a trial of all responsible for breaches of customs of war and the laws of humanity; but. those whose acts caused the war and breaches of neutrality, notably those of the ex-Kaiser, should not be tried, but should be formally condemned by the conference, It is pointed out that. the sole duty of the conference is to find a true bill, unanimity not being essential to the subsequent proceedings. The report recommr 'ds two kinds of procedure, one enabling any belligerent to try in its own courts any accused persons in it. own custody. This would enable the English court to try the submarine commanders. The other procedure applies to highly placed personages, and proposes the establishment of an international court.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.