Belgium’s own commission admitted forced labor was criminal yet necessary.

Evidence

Even if it could be proved that the forced labor system, of all colonial systems, is one that lends itself to improper usage [as though there is a proper usage of forced labor]; even if it could be shown that it is characterized by the highest figures of colonial criminality [as undoubtedly it was], it would still be approved and applied because it is necessary. — David Theo Goldberg, The Threat of Race, 889 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Colonial officials openly justified forced labor as necessary despite admitting its criminality. — David Theo Goldberg, The Threat of Race: Reflections on…, 889; Colonial officials deliberately maintained forced labor while only regulating its abuses — Alice L. Conklin, A Mission to Civilize_ The Republican…, 855

Broader Connections

• Colonial officials openly justified forced labor as necessary despite admitting its criminality. #corroborates (0.95) — David Theo Goldberg, The Threat of Race, 889