British foreign policy on the Chagos archipelago has finally been exposed for what it is: an unadulterated crime against humanity. Indeed John Pilger’s documentary, “Stealing a Nation”, which was aired on British TV last Wednesday night, has solicited some very strong reactions from viewers. The director received 1 000 e-mails the day after and Olivier Bancoult, the chairman of the Chagos Refugee Group (CRG), who participated extensively in the making of the documentary, woke on Thursday to find 220 new messages in his inbox. The messages are unambiguous in their support of the Chagos islanders. Let’s hope that this new development in the dossier will finally force the British government to face its responsibilities and stop stonewalling on what has become a matter of life and death. As John Pilger recently explained in an interview in l’express, “Many of the people leading the struggle for the right of return are old ladies who just want to go home to die”.

<B>Reactions</B>

● I have recently become aware of the injustice to the Chagos islanders ? I would like to be able to help. Is there a fund I could donate to? Stewart J.J.

<B>Davies mail@sj davies.co.uk</B>

● Following a TV exposé by journalist John Pilger on British foreign policy towards the expulsion of the Chagos Islanders in the 1960s and beyond, my wife Frances was in tears. I am therefore writing to enquire as to whether, as private individuals, we could do anything to further the cause of the natives of the islands. We are not wealthy people (teachers), but we could at least, help to raise funds or publicise the grave injustices shown towards these people. We would be grateful for any advice or suggestions.

<B>Steve Birkin [email protected]</B>

● I have just seen a documentary on the fate of your people, taken from the Chagos Islands and sent to Mauritius against their will. The conditions in which these good people once lived were happy ones and my ancestors moved them into the hell they live in now. I am so sorry that my country did that to your people. Normally I am proud of being British but not this time.

● The plight of your people was highlighted today in the documentary “How to steal a nation”. I am disgusted at the injustice that your people have gone through. While I am not wealthy, a man cannot sit by and watch injustice pass. I would like to offer any and all support that I can. May I suggest starting with the following: I would lke to know if you have a web site for your campaign? If not I will register and maintain one. If there is any help that I can provide please e-mail me.

<B>John Nagendran ramesh [email protected]</B>

● have just seen the John Pilger documentary on TV. Have you got any help fund available we can contribute to.

<B>Mr and Mrs John Clark [email protected]</B>

● I have watched a programme tonight on British TV about how you and your fellow islanders were forced to leave your home on the Chagos Islands. I am ashamed of what my government has done. I pray with all my heart that the God of all creation will overcome the powers of this world to reunite you with your homeland.

<B>Howard Huntington, North Wales, UK [email protected]</B>