Issue No. 11 - October 1999
Produced by: Anni and Lindis
Indigo, 8 Park Row, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 IHQ, UK
Tel No. 01943 466405 or 01482 702033
Fax No. 01482 702033
E-mail: caab.lindis_anni@virgin.net
Dear Friends,
We would like to spend some time on a very important development concerning the role of the NSA and the ECHELON surveillance system which we first raised in CAAB no. 5 in March 1998. This was raised because of the publication of a report which had been commissioned by the Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament (entitled 'Assessing the Technologies of Political Control' and known as the 'STOA report').
The report stated: 'Within Europe all e-mail, telephone and fax communications are routinely intercepted by the United States National Security Agency transferring all target information from the European mainland via the strategic hub of London then by satellite to Fort Meade in Maryland via the crucial hub at Menwith Hill'.
There was huge interest and concern as a result of this report throughout the Member States of the European Union. Further work was needed and a second report entitled 'Development of Surveillance Technology and Risk of Abuse of Economic Information' was published in April 1999.
A section of the report (author Duncan Campbell) concentrated on the 'state of the art in Communications Intelligence (COMINT) which includes automated speech recognition and the role of the NSA '.
An increasing number of countries are calling for an explanation as to the role of the NSA and whether civil rights are being compromised by the ECHELON surveillance system, particularly with reference to economic espionage. Recently the Danish Minister for Defence has been called to explain to Danish Parliamentarians the involvement and implications to Denmark by the existence of ECHELON. Meanwhile in the US Congress, Representative Porter Goss, the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has released a report to his congressional colleagues informing them that America's largest spy agency, the National Security Agency (NSA) is refusing to cooperate with an enquiry and request for documents into the NSA's ECHELON global spy system and interception of phone, fax and email messages involving US citizens.
In his report, Mr Goss warns that the NSA's privilege claim could result in the 'envelopment of the executive in a cloak of secrecy that would insulate the executive branch from effective oversight.'
Representative Bob Barr, a former CIA analyst, called the NSA's privilege claim 'bogus' and an attempt to 'deny the chairman and the committee members proper information with which to carry out their oversight responsibilities.'
Bob Barr has introduced an amendment to the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2OOO that requires the director of central intelligence, the director of the NSA and the attorney general to jointly prepare a report that will detail the legal standards used to initiate and gather domestic intelligence. The House approved the amendment on 13 May 1999 before sending the Bill on to the Senate. [Some of this information from Patrick Poole 6.4.99]
So … Europe is worried by the activities of the NSA and the ECHELON system … members of the US Congress and Senate are worried about the unaccountability and effects of the NSA and the ECHELON system (concerning the risks to the privacy interests of the citizens of the United States) … and a lot of other people seem to be worried … the UK has the 'strategic hub of London … and the crucial hub at Menwith Hill' on its doorstep …… ………… but WHAT are the UK government doing about this?
Planning Applications
…The six-lane athletics track is nearly completed.
Security Fence Construction
The new perimeter security fence with razor wire, is now well on the way to completion. It has been held up for nearly a year while an expert on orchids from the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh (Dr Richard Bateman) inspected and assessed the flowers in bloom in a corner of the base and the proposed route of part of the fence. He had been contacted by Anne Lee (women's camp - - see "peace activists stage 'save orchid' demo") who raised the issue of the preservation of the orchids and the MOD (on behalf of the Americans) agreed to reroute the fence-line so as to avoid damaging the orchid reserve. This site has always been known as an area which contained fauna and flora of special scientific interest - a wetland site.
There have been several attempts over the years by the base authorities to landscape this area. However over a long period of time the work of various people has meant that this wetland site has been protected from any development and interference by the base.
Dr Bateman states ' … It strikes me as a site worthy of (and indeed in need of) active conversation measures if it is to retain it's considerable botanical interest in the longer term …'.
Among other recommendations Dr Bateman's primary concern is that the new perimeter fence 'should not penetrate the clay layer to a depth where permeable rock is reached, wherein the all-important standing water would be depleted or even lost'. He has advised as to how and where the fence should be re-positioned. Another more detailed report and molecular analysis is intended to be submitted sometime in the autumn.
It is so wonderful to think that at least a small corner of this American base (which is run by the NSA) has been allowed to be relatively untouched by the visible militarisation of the Yorkshire Dales.
(See continuing story - CAAB 12).
Released
Continuing Byelaws Saga
Having previously written to George Robertson, the Secretary of State for Defence we returned a large number of byelaws notices to him (his property) at the Ministry of Defence building in Whitehall, London on Wednesday 1 September 1999. The MDP seemed somewhat surprised but did eventually give us a receipt for the returned property after telephoning Menwith Hill to verify our explanation. We now draw a line under this particular episode concerning invalid military land byelaws until ………….. the next challenge.
Also drawing a line under outstanding byelaw offences during the legal challenge is ... David Tucker, a Crown Prosecutor. At Harrogate Magistrates' Court on 10 September 1999 the CPS withdrew all summonses and offered no evidence in 74 cases involving 33 women. Anni and Lindis (CAAB) and Anne Lee (women's camp) were in court and costs were granted from public funds.
Mr Tucker said that 'the only reason for not proceeding with the prosecution is the unexpectedly long delay that the appeal has taken, which in my opinion means that there is no purpose to be served by continuing the outstanding prosecutions'.
This course of action is following a 20 year long history by the CPS of offering no evidence or withdrawing prosecutions concerning alleged byelaws offences (as at Greenham Common where over 900 cases were quashed, and costs awarded and now for the second time at MHS).
Since the High Court upheld the MOD's appeal against Judge Crabtree's ruling and declared the MHS byelaws valid there have been some arrests under the byelaws - no charge but immediate de-arrest and then moving on to 'reported with a view to prosecution' … so the byelaws saga and abuse of the law continues!
Sitting at the back of Harrogate Magistrates' Court as a MDP 'observer' was John Quinn (MDP Sergeant at Menwith) who has apparently been allowed to continue as before despite his conviction The fact that John Quinn is a police officer with a conviction, doing the same work as before he was convicted (this includes court work) is really difficult to accept ……
More Court News
The appeal was 'reluctantly' dismissed by Judge Swanson sitting with two Magistrates and John Quinn was again found guilty of common assault. The Judge ordered costs against Lindis although John Quinn's appeal had been dismissed. He did this as a 'shot across the bows' to deter other people from bringing similar cases of assault against the police.
Judge Swanson said the appeal had been a difficult case for him and the two Magistrates to rule on but technically an assault had been committed by John Quinn. Although he believed that the CPS would never have brought the original assault case to court he said he must reluctantly allow the assault conviction to stand. (Incidently it was the Ripon Magistrates who allowed the private prosecution to go ahead ….. so they clearly thought there was a serious case to be heard).
In a direct aside to three of John Quinn's senior officers who were sitting at the back of the court (the case was held in the High Sheriff's dining room rather than one of the usual courts!) Judge Swanson asked that his comments and feelings about the case be conveyed to any disciplinary hearing that John Quinn might 'unfortunately' face as a result of his verdict.
At the end of the case the Judge praised Clive Wyatt, the MDP constable who witnessed the assault and was brave enough to speak out, adding that he hoped that he would not be penalised for doing what he believed was right. We hope so too and are grateful that on this occasion, unlike many others involving MDP officers at MHS and other US bases, a witness was present and was prepared to tell the truth.
In this case, in spite of dismissing John Quinn's appeal Judge Swanson seemed more upset that a peace campaigner should bring a charge of assault against a police officer than that a police officer should assault a peace campaigner.
We agree with both the Harrogate Magistrates and with Judge Swanson that in the scale of things this assault was minor (even though his unacceptable and aggressive behaviour goes back nearly 10 years). However the role of a custody officer is to be impartial and to look after the welfare of prisoners - not to assault and intimidate them. It is desperately important that the MDP are held accountable for their actions and that those in detention are safe in police custody.
Change of Command
Diversion of Public Footpath
The Americans have always been unhappy that a public footpath is allowed to run through 'their' base. However up until now the footpath has been kept open due to a sustained campaign which was initiated by John Bugg who died in 1993.
Since the US Embassy bombings in Africa last summer all US bases in Europe have been in a heightened state of alert because of threats of reprisals. Also the American authorities were particularly concerned about access to the public footpath on the base and possible protest action because fighter jets from Lakenheath were involved in the US/UK bombing of the Balkans.
Citizen's Inspection
Nuclear Weapon Exercise
EXERCISE DIMMING SUN was cancelled due to NATO's (US/UK) Operation ALLIED FORCE in the Balkans.
Noise from low flying aircraft
'Sqdn Seymour agreed that there had been complaints about aircraft flying over the village. He has brought this to the attention of the appropriate USAF authorities and has been assured it will stop. However complaints can be referred to him on 01638 521945. [Bury Free Press article 6.8.99]
We understand from a reliable local source that the following day the noise was worse than it had been for many years. Phoning the number has made no difference.
Replacement Aircraft
Two of the new F-15E Strike Eagle jets, equipped with Pratt and Whitney-299 engines, built in Global Positioning and digital mapping systems, arrived at the base on 3 September 1999.
Twelve of the older F-15E's will eventually be reassigned between the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, the 366th Wing at Elmdorph Air Force Base in Alaska and the 4th Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. The other four will remain at Lakenheath to be used as spares parts.
The 48th Fighter Wing have been using F-15E's at Lakenheath since 1989 and it is these aircraft which are responsible for the increased noise levels that the local population have to contend with.
The USAF intend to eventually upgrade all of their existing F-15E's.
Traffic Improvements
B-52 and B-1 Bomber protests
The CPS discontinued the prosecutions claiming that to proceed would 'not be in the public interest' and that there was 'insufficient evidence'.
Interestingly these were the same reasons given why Lindis had her case of alleged aggravated trespass discontinued for her action during the arrival of the American B-52 bombers at USAF Fairford, in preparation for the conflict. In this case there were to have been seven American witnesses including two of the American B-52 crew whose statements had already been disclosed.
On the 4th July 1999 (American Independence Day) USAF Lakenheath held it's annual celebration at Feltwell - home of the US 5th Space Surveillance Squadron. Only military ID card holders and their guests were permitted to attend this year.
Before the event Captain Peter Kerr (American Deputy chief of public affairs) said "We regret we will not be able to share our 4th July celebration with the general public. Current world operations have necessitated that we increase our level of security, and this is one measure that must be taken for the safety of both the base personnel and the public. We hope the world situation will calm, and that next year we will be able to once again open our celebration for all".
[All American bases have been on high alert since the American's bombed Sudan and Afghanistan in response to the bombing of their embassies in Africa. Security was also high due to Lakenheath's key involvement in the US/UK led NATO bombing of the Balkans].
Beware! Should anyone be walking across the base at Feltwell (and Lakenheath) please be careful as there may be some stray munitions items lying around according to information received.
If you do find anything - ring the base and ask for the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal Flight - Duty hours number: 7-3108 or contact the Wing Command Post out of hours -7-4800.
Plans are now well under way for a Y2000 reunion for the American personnel who served on this base from 1950 to 1995 before it became the British National Intelligence Centre in 1997. The reunion will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the US arrival on this base.
It will take place from 10 -17 July 2000 and a programme of events is being planned. Contact Brigadier Chris Holtman Commandant Chicksands (British) whose idea this was. [There is a wonderful 12th Century Gilbertine Priory on the base which has been restored at the cost of £4 million].
Answers to a selection of interesting Parliamentary Questions which were asked in 1997 and more recently:
Q: Mr. Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of Defence, what proportion of the information collected at Menwith Hill is available to the British Security Services.
A: Dr. John Reid: I am withholding information on the operations of the intelligence and security agencies under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information on the grounds of national security. [10.11.97]
Q: Mr. Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all current bilateral agreements between the United Kingdom and United States affecting RAF Menwith Hill.
A: Mr. Doug Henderson: The presence of the United States Visiting Forces at RAF Menwith Hill is governed by the NATO Status of Forces Agreement of 1951 and other arrangements appropriate to the relationship which exists between the governments of the United Kingdom and United States for the purposes of our common defence. These arrangements are confidential and are withheld under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to defence, security and international relations. [26.7.99]
Q: Mr. Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the current bilateral (a) treaties and (b) agreements between the United Kingdom and US Governments which include provisions relating to the interception of communications.
A: Mr. Jack Straw: There are arrangements appropriate to the relationship which exists between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States for the purpose of our common defence. It is the long-standing practice of this Government and previous Administrations not to comment on the detail of such confidential arrangements.[26.7.99]
Q: Mr. Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions have taken place in the period 1 May 1997 to 31 December 1998 between Ministers and United States citizens concerning the interception regime operated in the United Kingdom.
A: Mr. Jack Straw: During the period in question, I have had discussions with the Attorney-General of the United States Government on several occasions about the interception regime operated in the United Kingdom, in particular in the context of encryption and the use of intercept product as evidence. [26.7.99]
Did you know that NSA Menwith Hill won an award in April 1997 for 'the excellence of their base-community relations program'?
In giving the award [INSCOM Journal - May/June 1997] former US Ambassador Crowe said 'During the past year, the base embarked on an aggressive program to lift the veil of secrecy that had been covering Menwith Hill and reach out to their neighbors in a way they hadn't done before. The command sponsored numerous tours, social events, sporting events and fund-raisers to encourage open dialogue with the community and demonstrate their commitment to being good neighbors.' … [an excellent PR exercise but no lifting of the real veil of secrecy which covers Menwith Hill].
Defense Department Space Budgets Headed for Approval by Frank Sietzen, Jn. Washington Bureau Chief:
……The administration's top two Air Force space projects received nearly full funding by both the House and Senate in both the Appropriations and Authorization bills. The changes to the top programs - Space Based Infrared Satellite (SBIRS) and the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) appear minor. [In Congress an Authorization bill authorises
the appropriation of defense money. An Appropriations bill provides the actual funding of the programme.]
The Clinton administration requested $70.8 million in procurement funds and an additional $324.8 million in research money for the EELV space booster project. The House Authorization bill trimmed $2 million from the research total; the Senate bill added $5 million to that area. The House Appropriations bill cut the $70 million procurement request and $2 million from the research line. But the Senate authorization approved the administrations request as submitted.
For the SBIRS project, the White House requested $229 million for the low-Earth orbiting part of the SBIRS system. The House and Senate authorization bills approved that amount. The House Appropriations bill agreed to the request but the Senate Appropriation bill added another $50 million to the SBIRS low orbit research accounts.….. [Further proof of US domination in space now - Menwith has a planned role in SBIRS].
Department of Defense Directive No. 3100.10:
"……Purposeful interference with US space systems will be viewed as an infringement on our sovereign rights. The US may take all appropriate self-defense measures, including if directed by the National Command Authorities, the use of force to respond to such an infringement on US rights……The unique capabilities that can be derived from the presence of humans in space may be utilized to the extent feasible and practical to perform in-space research, development, testing, and evaluation……this may include exploration of military roles for humans in space focussing on cost-effective operational missions." - Signed by William Cohen Secretary of Defense on 9 July 1999 following approval by President Clinton, the National Security Council and the CIA.
This latest Department of Defense Space Policy replaces the previous US military space plan which was published by Ronald Reagan on 4 Feb 1987.
Saturday 2 October 1999 and Saturday 4 December 1999
From 3.00pm, weather permitting, there will be light refreshments and time to catch up on CAAB news.
Please bring something to sit on and wrap up well. Remember that the weather, particularly in winter, can often be quite challenging!
Contact Anni or Lindis for more details.
We appreciate so much all the continued support that we receive. The struggle would be that much greater without it, particularly with Lindis in prison.
We always need funds to keep the campaign going as we depend on this financial support to continue our work.
Thank you too for all the gifts of 1st and 2nd class postage stamps - we use a great deal of them and they are always gratefully received.
For more information please contact us.
Planning Applications: The only planning application received by Harrogate Planning Office since the last newsletter was for a fire escape and doorway to Building 36E (inner operations area) Planning Application No. 6.91.165.A.CROWND.
Lindis was released from Bullwood Hall prison on 30 July 1999 after being sentenced to nine months imprisonment for breach of her permanent injunction at Menwith Hill following a long legal struggle concerning invalid military land byelaws.
During our two year campaign to bring the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) to lawful account concerning bylaw notices which had been declared invalid by two Judges, we finally resorted to removing the notices ourselves as the MDP had continued to ignore both rulings. On each occasion we were very careful to inform the MDP that we had done so and that we would return the notices as soon as possible after the legal arguments were resolved in the High Court.
The appeal of John Quinn (Sergeant MDP) against his conviction and sentence for assaulting Lindis, while acting as a Custody Officer at the MHS police post in January 1998 was heard at York Crown Court on 20 August 1999 (see CAAB 6). It was a nasty case involving a long struggle to bring this police officer to account.
LAKENHEATH
(near Brandon, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk)
On Tuesday 31 August 1999 Major General Joseph H Wehrie, Commander of the US Third Air Force, visited Lakenheath and presented Col. Irv Halter the command of the 48th Fighter Wing. He replaces Col. Carl Van Pelt.
The public footpath which ran though the base was temporarily closed during the Kosovan war. The Americans have been in consultation with the MOD for several years as they have wanted the public footpath closed and it seems that the temporary closure will become permanent.
The next suggested date for international citizen's inspection of nuclear weapons sites is on 1 October 1999. Just to remind you (if you had forgotten?!) there is an American nuclear weapons store at Lakenheath.
A joint US/UK nuclear weapons exercise involving around 1000 people was planned to begin on 14 June 1999 [see CAAB 10].
A meeting was held recently between the local parish council and Squadron Leader Seymour (token RAF liason officer) concerning complaints from local residents of excessive noise from American F-15 aircraft.
Sixteen of the 48th Fighter Wing's old F-15E's are being replaced by new ones direct from the Boeing factory in St. Louis, USA. They will be flown by the 492nd Fighter Squadron.
Plans are underway for new traffic improvements (requested by the USAF) at the base entrance gate on the A1065. These include some traffic lights and a 40mph speed limit. We understand that the USAF is prepared to pay the majority of the cost involved.
FAIRFORD
(near Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk)
During the UK/US bombing of the Balkans eight women were charged with alleged aggravated trespass and criminal damage. Five cases were due to have been heard at Cirencester Magistrates' court for committal to the Crown Court and two for pre-trial reviews.
FELTWELL
(near Thetford, Norfolk)
CHICKSANDS
(near Bedford, Bedfordshire)
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
SNIPPETS
ADVANCE NOTICE
Quaker Meeting for Worship:
F/friends will gather together on the grass verge outside the main entrance to NSA Menwith Hill for an hour of Quaker worship starting at 2.00 p.m.
MONEY MATTERS
Updated June 1999