740.00116 European War 1939/1453
The American Representative on the United Nations War
Grimes Commission (Pell) to the Secretary of State
No. 15862
London, May 24,
1944.
[Received May 31.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a series of
recommendations to the various governments adopted by the War Crimes
Commission May 16, 1944.
It was the opinion of the Commission that a very large proportion of the
offenses committed by the Axis Powers would not be discovered until after
the liberation of the occupied countries.
It seemed reasonably obvious that a very large number of the accused would
get away to Germany with the retreating forces. This would be especially
true of government officials. It is believed that among those whose offenses
will be discovered, or against whom suitable cases can be built, will be
members of the S.S., Gestapo, etc. For this reason it was believed by the
Commission that it would be a
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good idea to have a round up of such people, so that they would be available
if needed. I know that this is a common proceeding in the ordinary police
administration.
The Commission, therefore, makes the enclosed recommendations to the various
governments, trusting that they will be accepted.
Respectfully,
[Enclosure]
Document No. C.21, 18 May, 1944: Recommendations to
the Governments Adopted by the War Crimes Commission on 16 May,
1944
Measures to Ensure Capture of War Criminals
1. The mere establishment of lists of persons presumably guilty of war
crimes, by building up and preparing complete cases and dossiers
containing the proof of their guilt, can never suffice completely—though
this was the original basis for the work of the Commission.
Those Governments in particular, whose territories are completely or
almost completely occupied by the enemy lack the machinery, personnel
and the necessary information.
Although they may cover a certain number of cases, they can not
adequately deal in this way with the mass-criminality now existing in
their countries. This first task should, however, be continued, and at
the same time other means should be applied.
If those who have committed major crimes are not to escape punishment,
all persons who have held a responsible position in the occupied
countries or in the army or military or police organisations should be
available, immediately after the armistice, to be examined upon any
crimes which may have been committed in their sector or command.
2. For this purpose the governments, through their national offices,
should compile and communicate to the Commission when they think it
expedient, lists of all enemy civil and military persons in authority in
each occupied district, including Gauleiters, Governors, Chiefs of the
S.S., Chiefs of the Gestapo etc., with as complete particulars as
possible regarding these persons’ identity and some of the more
important crimes committed in the provinces, districts, towns or camps
where they are or were in authority. The surrender of these persons by
the enemy at the moment of the armistice may be demanded.
3. It is particularly necessary that on the conclusion of the armistice
the military authorities should put and keep under control all persons
whom they find to have been members of the S.S. or the Gestapo.
4. Analogous measures are recommended as regards other Axis Powers and
satellites.
