Commission on the Responsibility of the Authors of the War and on Enforcement of Penalties

Abstract

March 29, 1919The Preliminary Peace Conference at the plenary session on the 25th January, 1919 (Minute No. 2), decided to create, for the purpose of inquiring into the responsibilties relating to the war, a commission composed of fifteen members, two to be named by each of the Great Powers (United States of America, British Empire, France, Italy and Japan) and five elected from among the Powers with special interests.The Commission was charged to inquire into and report upon the following points: 1.The responsibility of the authors of the war.2.The facts as to breaches of the laws and customs of war committed by the forces of the German Empire and their Allies, on land, on sea, and in the air during the present war.3.The degree of responsibility for these offences attaching, to particular members of the enemy forces, including members of the General Staffs, and other individuals, however highly placed.4.The constitution and procedure of a tribunal appropriate for the trial of these offences.5.Any other matters cognate or ancillary to the above which may arise in the course of the enquiry, and which the Commission finds it useful and relevant to take into consideration.