Summary

As the observers committee prepared to enter the prison, they were first briefed by commissioner Oswald as to the precise purpose of their discussions with prisoners. Oswald told the group that their task was to “ascertain exactly what it would take to reach a settlement, and then they were to negotiate an agreement that would put an end to the rebellion,” a daunting task for many of the observers (104). Even before entering, many of the observers understood how important the issue of amnesty was to the inmates. When discussing this issue with the commissioner, they learned that the state, no matter what, was not willing to entertain amnesty; many retained the notion, however, that if the worst were to happen and human lives were at risk, that the state would reassess its position on amnesty. Feeling more informed but still...