Letter: Massacre in Timor

Sir: It is now indisputable that the Indonesian military are engaged in a massive campaign of crimes against humanity in East Timor. The unfortunate declaration of martial law gives these murderers the powers of judge, jury, jailer and executioner - in their own eyes legitimising their actions.

The Indonesian government and people owe it to themselves to bring these murderers to justice, starting with their senior commanders. To do this they need the immediate, active, armed support of the world powers.

If Indonesia does not try and bring those responsible to justice, then the only hope of preventing the extermination of the East Timorese is independent military intervention. This will be difficult and dangerous, but we must do what we can. And Indonesia would have to be treated as a pariah state, boycotted by the rest of the world.

Dr N J THOMAS

Ipswich