GERMAN PENAL CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22197, 26 August 1935, Page 11

GERMAN PENAL CODE

DISCUSSION BY CONGRESS HUMANITARIANS' PLEAS (Received August, 25, 5.5 p.m.) Times Cable LONDON. Aug.' 24 The Berlin correspondent of the Times states that amid great' confusion and excitement the conflict between the Nazi school, which favours severe penal sentences, and the advocates of humanitarianism came to a head -when the Penal Congress voted on the issue. Supporters of humanitarianism demanded that the voting be by. nations in view of the large numerical superiority of the German delegation. An amendment in favour of a continuation of efforts to educate and reform prisoners was carried by 10 to 9 nations. Britain and America voted with the majority, and Italy and Germany with the minority. The Germans challenged the result, which has been referred to the bureau of the congress. A similar clash on "monster trials" was avoided by a compromise amendment declaring that the rights of defence should be safeguarded. Dr. Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda, in addressing the delegates, defended concentration camps, declaring that they were-the most humane institutions for educating hostile elements to become useful members of the community. L-, , Germany had found it necessary to limit the freedom of the individual to the extent to which it conflicted with the freedom of the nation. What did it matter if a few thousand people were kept in custody if a nation of 66,000,000 was enabled to live? he asked. The congress closed without reaching a decision about the treatment of prisoners. It passed a recommendation for the sterilisation of certain classes I of criminals. This is considered to be a convincing victory for Germany.