Sir, - The arrest of General Pinochet in London brings to mind the Chilean refugees who came to live in Ireland after the coup in 1973. Many of us who came to know them have benefited considerably from the experience. The Mapuche folk group entertained us and at the same time raised awareness about a people's struggle for dignity and respect. They provided music and singing at my ordination to the priesthood in 1981. Friendships formed led, in some cases, to marriage, and to the creation of solidarity groups and campaigns for human rights. My own life was changed forever by the decision to go to Chile in 1982 to work for change there - I was forced to leave in 1984 following a series of incidents, including an apparent attempt on my life.
Today, as Ireland receives refugees from other countries, let us be aware of how much they can give us. Getting to know them may even lead some of us to do what they cannot do, namely, go and work for change in the countries where they are no longer welcome. This has already happened in some cases. Those seeking asylum in Ireland are people who bring abilities and talents which can benefit the country. For the Christian, they are also part of the people of God. They are not, therefore, foreigners. They may become our friends. - Yours, etc., Michael O'Sullivan,
S.J., McDonagh Tower, Ballymun, Dublin 9.