WAR CRIMINALS
SIR,—May I suggest that Lord Cecil in his letter to you under this heading somewhat misses the main point when he advocates punish- ment after trial—open trial—of the Nazi leaders " for the purpose of showing that their dimes are reprobated by the conscience of humanity and to demonstrate that they are the consequences of horrible and idolatrous teaching." Open trial is indeed most essential, but for other reasons than mere justification for whatever punishment may be imposed— namely for the unique publicity value. Were all German newspapers obliged to publish from day to day full reports of the evidence produced in open court of the long list of atrocities forming the charges, these reports would be read with avidity and would be discussed and debated by the widest possible German public. Only thus could the German people as such have their eyes opened• to the true facts and only thus could the birth of a myth of " martyr's death " be avoided. Not only should the evidence be published, but also prosecuting and defending counsels' speeches and cross-examinations, the judge's summing up, etc. A large proportion of the German people will not want to hear the truth and- will not willingly examine the !;acts but in this way they will be almost obliged.to do so.—Yours faithfully, R. G. PEARSON.
Previous page
