Frenchman Brings New Hope For German Delinquents

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22931, 27 April 1949, Page 2

Frenchman Brings New Hope For German Delinquents

(By a Reuter Correspondent.)

FRANKFURT. A Frenchman has brought new hope and freedom to German boys sentenced to terms of imprisonment by French 'military courts in Germany. A French-German education centre for youthful convicts is operating in the ancient castle of Ardeck on the Rhine under the supervision of Monsieur Henry Van Etten. Van Etten has been joined by his ■wife in an endeavour to make useful Icitizens of the convicted Germans, many |of whom were sentenced to two or 'three years’ imprisonment.. Instead of high grey prison walls and iron ibars, the young convicts are surrounded 'by an ivy-covered castle, its garden and orchards. They work at craftsmen's shops in nearby Algeshcim or in the castle orchards. There are no prison guards, no bolted doors or large lettered “verboten” signs around the place. Van Etten’s methods are those of understanding, love, education and work. Winning Offenders’ Esteem The teachers have succeeded well in winning tire esteem and friendship oi the young convicts. Under the rules, any eoucator applying bodily punishment or name calling to his ‘'pupils faces instant dismissal. Ranging in age from 14 to 19, all the "pupils have been sentenced by French military courts, in Germany for violation of the Military Government law. illegal possession of weapons and theit of French property comprise 90 per cent of their offences. Ardeck Castle was turned over to Monsieur Van Etten and his assistants 12 months ago, as a result of pleas made to the French education autnorities by M. Van Etten. “Pupils,” many of whom cannot even write their name or react because of the chaotic lives tney led during the war and post-war years, receive.a general education. The wages they receive are used for individual purchases or to pay lor cinema tickets. Teachers literally live among the young delinquents, sharing tneir meals and working with tne boys whom they are trying to lead along the path towards a law-abiciing society. Ardeck Castle’s “graduates" are recommended eventually to the French Military Government judicial authorities for commutation of their sentences. A voung convict released early last December promised to return lor Christmas to celebrate with his friends and teachers. He kept his premise.