WAR CRIMES.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 May 1921, Page 5

WAR CRIMES.

THE HUN REVEALED, JUSTIFIES CRUELTY TO PRISONERS. SMALL SENTENCE AT TRIALS; By Telegraph.— Press Assn.—Copyright. Leipzig, May 25. Evidence in the Heyner case has concluded. A feature of the day was the evidence of General von Fransecky, representing the War Office, who stated that the refusal of prisoners to work was mutiny, and the military regulations fully justified the use of the rifle butt end to enforce obedience. London, May 26. British newspapers protest against the inadequacy of Heyner’s sentence of ten months. When it was announced in the House of Commons there were many cries of “Shame.” According to a Leipzig telegram Heyner showed no emotion, though the Judge scathingly condemned him, saying that such actions had stained the honor of the German army and drawn down upon German heads the wrath of cultured people all over the world. The court went on to try Captain Emil Muller on a charge of appalling cruelties at the Flavy-le-Martel camp including photographing prisoners when in agony. . <

FAILURE OF JUSTICE. STRONG COMMENT BY THE TIMES. Received May 27, 8.30 p.m. London, May 26. The Times editorially describes Heyner’s sentence as a scandalous failure of justice and humanity, and justice forbids the Government to acquiesce in the imposition of such a light punishment dor so atrocious an offence. The fact that the judge’s comments seemed to show the sense of the abominable nature of the crime, makes the inadequacy of the sentence more revolting, and it is instructive as showing the depths to which the minds of German civilians and judges are tainted with detestable militarist doctrine. The Times asks: Are the War Office emissaries who inspired the orders for the exercise of brutality to enjoy immunity, while underlings are made scapegoats? Public opinion will compel the Allies to take into serious and immediate consideration this other aspect of the Leipzig trials.—Times Service.