U.S. involvement “immoral”

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32459, 20 November 1970, Page 13

U.S. involvement “immoral”

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) WASHINGTON, November 19. Mr Telford Taylor, who was the chief American prosecutor at the Nuremberg war crimes trials, considers that the United States involvement in Vietnam is so immoral that no American should be compelled to serve there against his will.

Mr Taylor questions the moral and legal actions of the United States in Vietnam in a book published this week, “Nuremberg and Vietnam: An American Tragedy.” He condemns the “indoctrination” of American troops on the grounds that it led to such events as the alleged My Lai massacre, forced the transfer of Vietnam villagers into refugee camps, caused widespread destruction of the countryside, and led to the mishandling of Communist prisoners. Mr Taylor writes: “Given the course the war has taken, and the depth and breadth of opposition to its conduct, it is both unwise and inhumane to compel people to serve in it against their will. “For the United States, this

• is a new kind of war for our f times . . . and one for which - compulsory service should s not be required.” Regarding the My Lai mas- ’ sacre charges, Mr Taylor - questions whether courti martial proceedings are suft ficient to determine who was s responsible. :, He acknowledges the - dangers encountered by e American troops in any hos- - tile Vietnam village. But he :, adds: “Even if there had f been such grounds, the slaughter of all the inhabia tants would have been an i, unlawful and atrocious reh action . . . and while small boys can toss grenades, inJ fants in arms cannot, but I were nonetheless killed, s along with the rest.”