NAZI PENAL CODE

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 24 August 1935, Page 5

NAZI PENAL CODE

Conflict Between Two Factions Comes to a Head VOTING BY THE NATIONS USE OF CAMPS DEFENDED (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) Received 2 p.m. to-day. LONDON, Aug. 23. “The Times” Berlin correspondent says that, amid great confusion ancl excitement, the conflict between ttie Nazi school favouring severe penal sentences and advocators of humanisation came to a head when the Penal Congress voted on the issue.

Supporters of humanitariamsm demanded voting by the nations in view of the large numerical superiority or the German delegation. An amendment favouring continuation of efforts to educate hostij' prisoners was carried by ten nations to nine, England and America voting with the majority. Italy and Germany, favouring the Germans, challenged the result, which is being referred to the bureau of the congress. A similar clash on “monster trials*” was avoided by a compromise, an amendment declaring that the right of the defence should be safeguarded. Dr Goebbels, addressing the delegates, defended the concentration camps, declaring that they were the most human institutions for educating a hostile element to become usemembers of the community. Germany found it necessary to limit the fredom of individuals to the extent to which they conflicted with the freedom of the nation. What matter if a few thousand were kept in custody if a nation of 66,000,000 is enabled to live? he asked.