LETTER : Political asylum does not permit propaganda campaigns
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Your support makes all the difference.From Mr J. A. Davis
Sir: Your extreme indignation at the proposed deportation of Mohammed al-Masari is, I suggest, misplaced (Leading article: "A stinking, rotten deal", 5 January). He is not being "sent into exile". He already is in exile. He is merely being required to change the place of his exile. Political asylum exists merely to provide a safe haven for those who might otherwise suffer persecution for their views. It does not exist to provide a secure base for those who wish to pursue propaganda campaigns against the lawful governments of countries with which we maintain friendly relations. Mr al-Masari, while a guest here, was acting in ways which were contrary to our national interest in pursuing lawful trade with a friendly nation.
He is being required to leave for abusing our hospitality, nothing more sinister than that.
Yours faithfully,
J.A. Davis
Bookham, Surrey
6 January
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