Objection to a State visit

Some months ago the British Press headlined the inhuman tortures suffered by Dr Sheila Cassidy in Chile. The British Labour Government showed its courage by withdrawing its Ambassador from Santiago.
Now that same Labour Government is preparing for a State visit, from May 4. by the head of the most repressive government in South America today — General Ernesto Geisel. President of Brazil.
We are told that the thinking of the Government is that while the Brazilian regime is not the most democratic of institutions, the huge nation is moving slowly towards democracy and is becoming increasingly important in Britain's struggle to remain economically viable.
Brazil today is a repressive Rightwing State ruled by a military junta. It has a presidential system (so has Uganda), and the incumbent, General Geisel, has arbitrary powers. Ile can dissolve Congress, suspend political rights and keep people suspected of subversion in prison indefinitely.
By honouring the Brazilian government with a State visit Britain will give that military regime the much-coveted Royal stamp of approval and at the same time will deal a hammer blow to the estimated 12,000 political prisoners in What about torture, violation of human rights in Brazil? Chile is condemned for these things, yet Brazil was one of the first (if not the first) countries in the world to recognise the Pinochet regime.
Brazilian secret police instructed the dreaded Dina (Chilean secret police) in torture techniques. The British Government should acquaint itself with the following. Last autumn in Brazil the well known journalist Vladimir Herzog died in prison on the day of his arrest, Amnesty International reported that security police refused to permit Herzog's family to open his seated coffin as required by Jewish preburial rites.
The army said he hanged himself after confessing to having been a member of the banned Brazilian Communist Party. Thousands attended his funeral in the biggest anti-government demonstration since the military seized power. A document recently smuggled out of a Brazilian prison to Amnesty claims that political murders are frequent occurrences. The cover-up takes the form of saying that the victim died "in a car accident" or
"attempting to escape" or "committed suicide" like Vladimir Herzog.
The document says that 55 people have died under torture and the compilers claim they have witnesses for 16 of these deaths.
Britain has now a new Prime Minister. lie should cancel this obnoxious State visit. Should he allow it, then why not have Pinochet of Chile and Broadberry or Uruguay receive the Royal approval?
Bernard Ryan Port arlington. Ireland.