petition signed by 5,500 union members under the sponsorship of the Quebec Fed~ eration of Labour and sent to Balatnde Terry, the president of Peru. ]
*x* * *
Mr. President,
In all countries, the fate of Hugo Blanco and his companions imprisoned with him is concerning all who are struggling for respect for the rights of man. its affiliates must do their part to prevent these unionists from the death sentence.
That is why we are asking you to sign the attached petition and to have it signed by your members. We want you to obtain the greatest possible number of Signatures, using supplementary sheets of blank paper, and to send them back as soon as possible, using the return envelope enclosed.-
We have always proclaimed our belief in the international solidarity of the workers. Now is the time to prove it by signing the petition in favour of Hugo Blanco.
Fraternally,
Gérard Rancourt,
Secretary General
LABOUR TO PRESIDENT BELAUNDE
Canadian political, trade union, artistic, and university circles have followed with anxiety the unfolding of the trials of Hugo Blanco and his comrades.
What will be done to them will not fail to confirm or alter the image that the Canadian people will have of your country and its government.
We ask you, Mr. President, to free and pardon Hugo Blanco and all the other political prisoners.