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Peace Treaty of Versailles
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Articles 227-230
Penalties
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.
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