FRENCH CONVICTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21266, 21 February 1931, Page 22

FRENCH CONVICTS .

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Your cable news this morning contained a statement of the conditions under which French convicts are transported to Devil’s Island. We hear a good deal about prison camp labour in Soviet Russia, etc., but can anything be compared to the conditions on the French convict ship? This is the policy of the French Republican Government, which is also a member of the League of Nations. One wonders why nothing is done in the interests of these unfortunate human beings. They may have committed serious crimes, etc., but surely such treatment as is accorded to them is not in keeping with the spirit of the times. I feel that while this diabolical treatment of human beings'is permitted by a country like France, then we should for ever hold our peace about Soviet Russia. Then, also, we do not know how much truth there is in the cables and stories from Russia, as past events have shown. Nevertheless, even if what is said concerning Russia is true, no excuse can be raised on behalf of France, and this surely should call for a united protest from all, no matter what one professes. What do our churches think of this business, and can they do nothing? What does the League of Nations think, and can it raise no protest? A start should be made.—l am, etc., February 21. P. Neilson.