A martyr for peace

"They led him to the wall at the break of dawn. He refused a last cigarette, but accepted the blindfold. His last words were an apology to his mother for causing her so much pain. The firing squad aimed well. A few minutes later, the doctor present declared him dead." The published report of the execution of a man sentenced to death for failing to report for duty seems to have had the opposite effect. Rather than bringing people back to the colors out of fear of the consequences, it has made those executed into instant martyrs for the peace movement. Their names and life stories have been published and very clearly edited to make them appear in the best possible light. Mass peace demonstrations have started in several major cities, demanding an end to the war. The War Office reports that they have received a number of letters of draftees stating openly that they will not appear for duty - saying that they would not, under any circumstances, be party to another execution except as the person to be executed.