McGrath: you failed to include an important tag to your paragraph I think: "in your opinion."

When I write something, what I write is intended to convey my opinion. Why else would I write it? (Leave aside irony, which in any case is just my opinion in fancy dress.)

But I think it is pretty generally agreed that the first responsibility for trying alleged war criminals lies with the countries from which they come. I believe this is an opinion held by the American Government, in principle.

It is only when Governments fail to do this, or are unable to do this, that the International War Crimes Tribunal comes into the picture. The United States has declined to allow this possibility, and has said that it is redundant since it can be relied on to carry out its duty in this matter, and can do it with less risk of miscarriages of justice.

And that is my opinion of the opinion of the United States and of the state of international opinion.