A spokesman for the British Government declared today, in response to a query from Sir Barnett Janner, that the question of British ratification of the United Nations genocide convention was under new examination.
Sir Barnett raised the issue with a reference to testimony at the trial of Adolf Eichmann in Jerusalem. “Clearly, the civilized world has to ask itself how this happened and what could be done to prevent a recurrence, ” he said.
Sir Barnett emphasized that more than 12 years had passed since the then Foreign Secretary had declared that the British Government hoped shortly to reach a decision on ratification of the Genocide pact but the decision still had not been taken. Pointing out that 63 countries had signed the convention, Sir Barnett declared that “surely it is time the United Kingdom was also included. “
Undersecretary A Godber replied for the Government that all persons “shared abhorrence for the revolting crimes” committed by the Nazis and that the British Government had always made it clear they regarded it with “disgust and horror. “
Adding that the Government realized that a decision had been long delayed and that the delay was liable to misinterpretation, he told Commons: “The whole question of whether or not the British Government should become a party to the convention was being examined afresh and the House will be informed when a decision is reached and the necessary legislation will be brought forward. “
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