Peace Treaty of Versailles (Articles 227 - 230: Penalties) (28 June 1919)
PART VII.
PENALTIES.
ARTICLE 227.
The Allied and Associated Powers publicly arraign William II of
Hohenzollern, formerly German Emperor, for a supreme offence
against international morality and the sanctity of treaties.
A special tribunal will be constituted to try the accused, thereby
assuring him the guarantees essential to the right of defence. It
will be composed of five judges, one appointed by each of the
following Powers: namely, the United States of America, Great
Britain, France, Italy and Japan.
In its decision the tribunal will be guided by the highest motives
of international policy, with a view to vindicating the solemn
obligations of international undertakings and the validity of
international morality. It will be its duty to fix the punishment
which it considers should be imposed.
The Allied and Associated Powers will address a request to the
Government of the Netherlands for the surrender to them of the ex-
Emperor in order that he may be put on trial.
ARTICLE 228.
The German Government recognises the right of the Allied and
Associated Powers to bring before military tribunals persons
accused of having committed acts in violation of the laws and
customs of war. Such persons shall, if found guilty, be sentenced
to punishments laid down by law. This provision will apply
notwithstanding any proceedings or prosecution before a tribunal in
Germany or in the territory of her allies.
The German Government shall hand over to the Allied and Associated
Powers, or to such one of them as shall so request, all persons
accused of having committed an act in violation of the laws and
customs of war, who are specified either by name or by the rank,
office or employment which they held under the German authorities.
ARTICLE 229.
Persons guilty of criminal acts against the nationals of one of the
Allied and Associated Powers will be brought before the military
tribunals of that Power.
Persons guilty of criminal acts against the nationals of more than
one of the Allied and Associated Powers will be brought before
military tribunals composed of members of the military tribunals of
the Powers concerned.
In every case the accused will be entitled to name his own counsel.
ARTICLE 230.
The German Government undertakes to furnish all documents and
information of every kind, the production of which may be
considered necessary to ensure the full knowledge of the
incriminating acts, the discovery of offenders and the just
appreciation of responsibility.
