German measures against Jews in occupied countries, including their segregation in ghettos, are considered war crimes, it was stated here by Sir Cecil Hurst, chairman of the United Nations War Crimes Commission and vice-president of the Hague Court of International Justice.
Atrocities committed upon Jews in Axis countries are presently being uncovered by the commission, Sir Cecil told a press conference. He pointed out, however, that at present the authority of the commission does not extend to acts committed by the Axis nations on their own territory against individuals of their own nationality because of their race, religion or political opinions.
Although the leaders of the United Nations have announced their intention to exact retribution for these atrocities, such as the persecution of German Jews, punishment for these offenses will be a problem for the Allied occupation authorities in Germany, the war crimes commission head said. He added that the crimes against Jews in Poland are under study in London as a special problem which the United Nations policy of retribution will face.
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