BRITISH ARMY DESERTERS

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26125, 30 May 1950, Page 5

BRITISH ARMY DESERTERS

GENERAL AMNESTY NOT INTENDED LONDON, May 26. Replying to a ’ question in tne House of Commons, the Minister of Defence (Mr Emanuel Shinweil) said that the Government had no intention of offering a general amnesty to deserters from the services, though it would continue to give the fullest weight to compassionate considerations. in cases of any men who voluntarily surrendered. Mr Shinwell said that, although there were nominally 19.500 deserters, it is doubhtiul whether there were, in .act. more than 7000 or 8000 of these men still at large in this country. The way was open to all of them to rehabilitate themselves, and the scale of punishments was neither vindictive nor harsh. “With these facts in mind,” said Mr Shin well, “it cannot be thought that these men are being forced into lives of crime by fear of the consequences of surrender. In fact, criminal statistics and the advice of the police authorities indicate that comparatively few deserters are engaged In crime. “I am advised that most of those so engaged—and. of course, there are some—had criminal records before they deserted. Any action such as an amnesty would be unfair to those who have already surrendered and been punished, and to those who have served and are serving loyally. I<s effect in any future emergency mieht also be harmful. In the Government's view’, if would be wrong to condone the offence of desertion.”