PENAL CONGRESS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22659, 26 August 1935, Page 9

PENAL CONGRESS

CONFUSION AND EXCITEMENT TWO SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, August 23. The Berlin correspondent of .The Times says Amid great confusion and excitement the conflict between the Nazi school, favouring severe penal sentences, and the advocates of humanisation came to a head when the Penal Congress voted on the issue. The supporters of humanitarianism demanded voting by nations, in view of the large numerical superiority of the German delegation. An amendment favouring the continuation of efforts to educate and reform prisoners was carried by 10 nations to 9, England and America voting with the majority, and Italy and Germany favouring the minority. 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 amendment declaring that the right of defence should be safeguarded. General Goebbels, addressing the delegates, defended concentration camps, J ; ‘. ; daring that .they were the most humane institutions for educating hostile elements to become useful members of the community. Germany found it necessary to limit the freedom of the individual to the extent to which it conflicted witli the freedom of the nation. What matter if a few thousand were kept in custody if a nation of 66,000,000 was enabled to live? StERILISATION OF CRIMINALS BERLIN, August 24. (Received August 25, at 10 p.m.) The Penal Congress closed without reaching a decision regarding the treatment of prisoners. It passed a recommendation of sterilisation for certain classes of criminals. This is considered a convincing victory for Germany.