PRISON FOR LIFE

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22690, 18 August 1945, Page 6

PRISON FOR LIFE

SENTENCE ON PETAIN COMMUTED BY DE GAULLE COMMUNISTS PROTEST (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Aug. 18, 11 am.) PARIS, Aug. 17 General de Gaulle has commuted Marshal Petain’s death sentence to one of life imprisonment. The court which found Petain guilty of treason expressed the wish that owing to his great age the death sentence should not be carried out. Petain was also condemned to national degradation and the confiscation of his property. LENIENCY FOR PETAIN? PROTEST BY COMMUNISTS PARIS, Aug 17 The French Communist Party has issued a statement condemning the High Court recommendation that the Petain death sentence should not be carried out. “The High Court has clearly established that Petain was guilty and this traitor’s death sentence was in accordance with the mass of the French people’s expectations,” the statement says. “The recommendation that the death sentence should not be executed shocks the feeling of justice of the French people, especially the millions of deportees, war prisoners and families who were i victims of Nazi brutality.” JEWISH NATIONAL HOME UNITED STATES INTERESTED WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 President Truman announced today that the United States was conferring with Britain regarding the establishment of a Jewish national State in Palestine. He said America considered as many Jews as possible should be admitted to Palestine. The problem would have to be worked out with the British and Arabs. OFFER TO UNRRA 22,000 ARMY TRUCKS ROME, Aug. 16 It is officially announced that 22,000 United States army trucks and trailers will be handed over to Unrra under the United States War Department’s redeployment policy. The majority will be useable for at least two years. Shortage of drivers may delay Unrra’s acceptance, although the Army can transfer the vehicles immediately. CREATED KNIGHTS TWO NEW MINISTERS LONDON, Aug. 16 It is officially announced that •Mr G. R. Thompson has been made a member of the Privy Council on his appointment as Lord Advocate. Knighthoods have been conferred on the Attorney-General, Mr Hartley Shawcross, and the Solicitor-General, Mr Frank Soskice. CHANGE TO PEACE IMMEDIATE FEDERAL POLICY CANBERRA, Aug. 16 The Prime Minister, Mr , Chifley, said special steps would be taken to cushion the shock of the transfer of industry from war to civilian production. He outlined the Government’s proposals to meet the peace, and candidly admitted that difficulties were ahead. Mr Chifley said: “Australia must again at short notice mobilise forces, but this time to achieve the primary objective of a vigorous peacetime economy in which there will be jobs and rising living standards for all.” Policy points made by Mr Chifley were: Demobilisation will proceed according to the announced plan but will be conditioned by the role the forces have to play in the interim period. The release of veterans and men with occupational qualifications will be stepped up. Key men will be released early. The cancellation of defence contracts will not be made sharply. The relaxation of controls will be speeded up. Public works will be started at an early date and housing will be expedited. FIRST DIVISION NEW HOUSE OF COMMONS LONDON, Aug. 16 When Mr Herbert Morrison asked the House of Commons to agree to the Government taking all the private members’ time in view of its heavy legislative programme Sir A. P. Herbert made his “annual” protest against the motion. He declared that as he could not present bills he would throw them on the floor as a challenge to despotic power. He thereupon threw a number of biils into the centre of the Chamber. The Conservatives challenged a division—the first of the new Parliament. The Government motion was carried by 329 votes to 142. POST=WAR IPROGRAMME CAPITAL AND LABOUR TO MEET WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 President Truman today stated that he would call a conference of capital and labour as soon as Congress re-assembled to evolve a postwar industrial programme.