MEN RIGHTLY CHARGED

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 14185, 9 October 1946, Page 3

MEN RIGHTLY CHARGED

PARATROOPERS IN MALAYA Statement By Secretary For War Mutiny Cannot Be Excused ' London, Oct. S. The new British Secretary for War, Mr F. J. Bellenger, to-day made a statement to the House of Commons about the mutiny sentences of two years passed on 243 British paratroopers in Malaya. He said he was awaiting the advice of the Judge Advocate-General on the legality of the proceedings and hoped to be able to make a further statement later this week. Mr Bellenger went on: "These men were rightly charged with mutiny, a. most serious military offence with death as the maximum penalty. Resistance to lawful authority will not be tolerated." Conditions in the camp, he said, were undoubtedly bad. Steps were taken to improve them but heavy rainfalls caused considerable deterioration. Asked if he would proceed against 'whoever was responsible for the bad conditions the Minister said he had already taken steps in that direction. Later he said: "I served in the ranks in the first world war, probably at times in worse conditions, and I say that mutiny cannot be excused."

A group of Labour Members of Parliament to-night decided to present to Mr A'ttlee a petition expressing shocked surprise at the tone of Mr Bellenger's statement. These members represent constituencies in Lancashire, the home county of the regiment to which the sentenced paratroopers belong.