Issue No. 12 - January 2000
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,
WELCOME TO THE 21ST CENTURY!
The 12th edition of CAAB newsletter is being written after Christmas 1999 through necessity. The world news is rapidly changing as we write. By the time you receive this we will be into the 21st century and a new Millennium. Let’s hope the transition goes smoothly!
1999 was a very busy year in the life of CAAB. The long running byelaws saga continues with disgraceful institutionalised abuse and manipulation of the law by the Ministry of Defence Police.
The role of Menwith Hill expanded again to become a crucial part of ‘Star Wars’ and the American National Missile Defense System. There was also a lot of publicity concerning the ECHELON system earlier in the year which went some way to raise public awareness of this invasive system. A recent interview with a former NSA employee confirms the existence and operations of Echelon at MHS.
We move into the 21st century in a world that is full of strife and conflict. The strategic balance of power is destabilised by the arrival of Star Wars at Menwith Hill. The Russians and Chinese hare warned darkly of a new nuclear arms race if it goes ahead……it is going ahead at Menwith Hill as we go to press with the building of two Space Based Infra Red System (SBIRS) radomes.
President Clinton is due to make a decision about the deployment of the NMD system in June 2000. The UK Government has allowed this to quietly go ahead with no debate in Parliament; another example of the Americans doing what they like here with very little accountability. The Americans are spending something like $10 billion on a system which is similar to Ronald Reagan’s 1980s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). The NMD system which George W Bush Jnr. (Republican Presidential candidate) is actively championing is being seriously questioned by some scientists as to the technical feasibility of this frightening new programme.
As well as Star Wars the Americans are intent on dominating and exploiting space for their interests only which does not bode well as we enter the 21st century … It is the start of a new nuclear arms race.
CAAB with the support of Yorkshire CND are planning a big happening on Saturday 4 March 2000 at NSA Menwith Hill. What a chance to capture the non-violent spirit of Seattle! There is an issue for everyone to oppose at Menwith Hill! So please come…………more details from March 4 web-site
Planning Applications
Public Relations
Security Fence Construction
Continuing Byelaws Saga
The Ministry of Defence police have clearly been acting under orders which have been inconsistent and they appear to have no intention of ever bringing any of these incidents to court. Lindis has been arrested many times under the byelaws since being released from prison at the end of July. She has sometimes been de-arrested without charge and sometimes reported with a view to prosecution. On other occasions she has been arrested, taken into custody and latterly always reported with a view to prosecution.
There are clear rules and regulations covering arrest, custody, the outcome of the detention and final release. It has been a long struggle to insist that the MDP abide by these rules and regulations particularly concerning custody procedures. However the MDP seem to make up the rules from day to day.
Responses by the MDP have been to refuse to take Lindis before a custody officer. She has been given a choice of being taken in front of Sergeant John Quinn (convicted of assault against Lindis while she was in custody) or she could walk off the land. even though she was under arrest.
The next time the MDP took no action. This was because Chief Inspector Drummond had personally informed Lindis that she would not be arrested any more. Despite this the very next time Lindis was immediately roughly arrested and informed that she was to be charged under the byelaws. However Sergeant Ranson the custody officer mysteriously changed his mind. Having first informed Lindis that she was going to be charged he once again reported her with a view to prosecution.
One example of their inconsistent responses was when Lindis had just been arrested. She was taken into custody, released and reported with a view to prosecution. She went back again to walk on the land and was clearly seen by the MDP who were in a patrol vehicle. Instead of arresting as they had done before the MDP stopped, quickly reversed and were not seen again!
On another occasion the arrival of a Channel 4 News crew who were interviewing Lindis prompted the MDP to revert back to their previous methods of threatening to arrest. This was clearly meant for the cameras. Before this they had on several occasions taken no action and only observed.
Since the Channel 4 incident the MDP have again chosen to ignore any breaches of the Byelaws by Lindis.
Lindis has now received three letters from the MDP which informed her that after consultations with the CPS they would be taking no further action concerning over a dozen reported cases. No charges since the appeal have ever been brought.
What the MDP are doing at MHS follows a similar pattern of institutionalised manipulation and abuse of the byelaws at Menwith Hill and other bases (mostly American bases) over many years. The actions of the MDP raise serious questions as to their powers, independence and integrity. The matter is in the hands of the lawyers.
High Court Action Against Star Wars
‘HMG and the United States Government are pleased to announce the European Relay Ground Station (RGS-E) for the new Space Based Infra-Red System (SBIRS) will be established at RAF Menwith Hill. The RGS-E will provide additional relay capability for SBIRS, and its establishment at RAF Menwith Hill will capitalise on the existing infrastructure. HMG welcomes the opportunity to strengthen U/UK co-operation in this field.
SBIRS is the world-wide satellite-based system providing early warning of ballistic missile launches. It has been developed to upgrade the ageing US Defense Support Program (DSP) satellite system.
Construction will include a one-storey 10,000 square feet concrete and steel building adjacent to and architecturally blending with the existing building. Up to four new radomes approximately 60 feet in height and similar to the existing radomes will also be required. Local planning consent will be sought in the usual way.’
Two Space Based Infra Red System (SBIRS) radomes are being constructed at MHS as the base prepares to take on a new role. It is the rebirth of Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (‘Star Wars’) and is a vital part of the American National Missile Defense (NMD) system. President Clinton is expected to make a decision about the deployment of NMD in June 2000. However a crucial part of ‘Star Wars’ at MHS is being built and due to come on-line in February 2000. There are serious scientific doubts as to whether the NMD system will ever be technically feasible. Billions of dollars have already been spent and budgeted for on this system.
In 1997 we alerted enough people who put in objections to Harrogate Planning Department and a public meeting was held at which Lindis spoke for the allotted three minutes against this major upgrading of the base.
As usual the planning application was agreed by the Councilors although several members raised concerns that the radomes would be encroaching on to land which is presently leased to local farmers.
Surprisingly the press and media did not focus on the ‘Star Wars’ issue but concentrated on the planning applications. We persuaded Richard Sadler, the BBC environmental reporter, to do a programme about the changing role of MHS. The ‘Star Wars’ issue was covered in a ‘Look North’ BBC TV programme and we worked closely with Richard who presented it, giving him the names of many contacts who were included in the programme.
The upgrading of the base progressed throughout 1997-9 (we put in objections to Harrogate Planning Department and Lindis attended the public planning) and at the beginning of October 1999 we noticed that the ground was being prepared and construction equipment was being moved on to the site where the two SBIRS radomes were to be built.
We quickly worked on a legal action and on 14 October 1999 Lindis went to the High Court to make an application for an injunction to stop the building of the two SBIRS radomes. A Claim (formally known in the English legal system as a Writ) was issued by the High Court that day. The Claim was served the following day on:
The First Defendant is represented by Clifford Chance (the biggest law firm in the world) and the Second, Third and Fourth Defendant are represented by the Treasury Solicitor (ironically the same solicitor and barrister who have been involved with bringing all five permanent injunctions around American bases against Lindis, which includes MHS).
After acknowledging service of the Claim Colonel Harthcock’s lawyers applied to the court for an extension of time to submit his defence until January 2000 so that they could consult with the American government. Lindis opposed this in the High Court on 10 November 1999 but the application was granted by Master Tennant. The Treasury Solicitor also applied on behalf of the Second, Third and Fourth Defendants and the application was granted unopposed. Costs of the application were awarded to Lindis.
The Treasury Solicitor made an application for a hearing to get the Claim ‘struck out’ on the grounds that it is an abuse of the process of the court and that ‘no cause of action’ has been shown. The hearing was held be on 13 January 2000 in the High Court.
Lindis, represented by Stephen Cottle (barrister) and Matthew Gold
(solicitor) vigorously opposed the Application.
Statements in support of the Writ were
submitted to the court from Professor Paul Rogers (Dept. of Peace
Studies, Bradford University) and Professor Nicholas Grief (Law
of International Organisations and Head of the School of Finance
and Law, Bournemouth University).
Master Tennant ruled that the
Application be denied and that we now have to re-amend the Writ
and submit it to him for permission to go ahead with a full trial
in front of a Judge. Another wee step forward!
The Solicitor representing Colonel Harthcock has indicated that he will claim immunity from this action and say that the court therefore has no jurisdiction to hear the case. No date for this has been set so far.
However, the down-side was that he awarded the
Defence's Costs of £4,500 against Lindis. These Costs must be
paid in full within two months before the Writ (re-amended) can
be put in front of Master Tennant again.
This Writ has cost us a lot so far and £4,500 is a huge amount although it
seems a small price to pay to try and stop the new Star Wars from
operating here in the UK at NSA Menwith Hill.
Already the concrete bases have
been constructed for the two new radomes which are intended to
house the SBIRS satellite dishes and equipment for the SBIRS
European Ground Relay Station (a crucial part of the American
National Missile Defense system also known as 'Son of Star
Wars'). It is being paid for by the US government; operated and
controlled by the Americans, and condoned by the UK government.
It has never been debated in the British Parliament. It is
unlawful, undemocratic and unwanted! If any one would like to send a
donation to help us pay the £4,500 Costs and enable us to
continue with the Writ and our other peace work we would be
tremendously grateful. Cheques should be made out to CAAB or our
full title Campaign for the Accountability of American
Bases(CAAB). All help, great and small will be thankfully
received!
We say that local, national and international laws are knowingly breached with the siting of the American NMD system at MHS, in particular the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty 1972 and 'Outer Space Treaty' of 1967. The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty 1972 is a bilateral treaty between the USA and the former Soviet Union. By allowing the land to be used for this purpose the UK government is in contravention of international law.
See also: Activists issue writs to stop 'Star Wars' plans - 26th October 1999
Former employee at MHS speaks out
We have known that ECHELON does operate from MHS but the interview gives us the proof of one of the sinister roles of MHS.
Full details of the interview with Margaret Newsham are in the article "Echelon was my baby".
We are following up this interview with questions in Parliament, alerting the media and speaking to contacts we have in the Danish press.
Interesting ECHELON Web-sites:
Planning Applications
Public Relations
When we asked a local to sum up the content of this article he said:
‘The Americans are concerned about their relationship with us and need to publish some propaganda telling everyone how good they are just to shut us up!’
Significant Archeological Finds
During the construction of RAF Lakenheath in the 1940’s Mesolithic flint tools, Bronze Age and Iron Age artifacts were unearthed. An early Saxon cemetery dated between 500-700 AD and containing the graves of 33 men, women and children was found during the construction of the US base hospital in 1957.
In July 1997, construction began on a 532-bed dormitory within 300 yards of the 1957 graveyard. Another Saxon cemetery was discovered which eventually revealed more than 261 graves containing bones and artifacts.
Work continued on the dormitory and in October 1997 a huge find of a complete Saxon man, his horse complete with bridle, an iron-banded bucket and the remains of a sheep were exposed near one edge of the cemetery. Archaeologists from British museums, universities, and the Ministry of Defence went to look and advise and the Suffolk County Council archaeologist had to train 30 American Air Force volunteers in the basic art of excavation to help clear the dig-site.
In July 1999 more Saxon burial sites were uncovered during the construction of a new Skills Development Centre although they were not as spectacular as the 1997 Saxon warrior and horse.
Because the base is such a significant and interesting Saxon site the base authorities are required to notify the Suffolk County Archaeology Department when new construction work is due to begin. A window of about 8-12 weeks is built into the early building programmes to allow time for archaeologists, funded by the UK Defence Estates Organisation, adequate time to investigate the area without delaying the work.
Planning Applications
Public Relations
Air Fete 2000
With an expected attendance of around 300,000 it is quite easy to ‘mingle unofficially’ with the crowd. Those of you preferring to attend officially can ring the Air Fete 2000 Newsline on Mildenhall (01638) 543341 or from abroad on ++44 1638-543341.
Honoured By The NSA
During a ceremony at Fort Meade, Maryland, USA (NSA Headquarters), the 100th Communications Squadron received the Frank B. Rowlett award from Lt. Gen. Michael Hayden, the NSA Director.
The Mildenhall information technology specialists were praised for the initiatives they have implemented to protect the base’s computers from hackers, viruses and other potentially dangerous electron ‘traffic’.
This award is the second consecutive NSA award given to the 100th Communications Squadron. In 1998 one of their Staff Sergeant’s was named the top individual among the US Government’s information protection specialists.
Tracking Santa Claus (seriously!)
Feltwell’s three 60 foot satellite dishes (hidden inside giant golf ball radomes) usually track satellites orbiting in deep space but on Christmas Eve they listen out for the jingle of sleigh bells instead.
According to Tech. Sgt. Ray Duron, 5th SPSS Crew Chief, ‘We have some of the most sophisticated equipment in the world. The Deep Space Tracking Systems were constructed at a cost of more than $600 million. The ability to track Santa is just one of the outstanding features of this system. Santa is in good hands.’
The 3rd SPSS in Misawa, Japan tracks Santa throughout Asia and the 5th SPSS take over when he enters Europe. Both units co-ordinate the route with the 1st Command and Control Squadron in Colorado Springs, USA. On Santa’s arrival in England the 5th SPSS use its Low Altitude Space Surveillance System (two 24 foot dishes inside two smaller radomes) to track him to East Anglia. As Santa leaves England and heads towards the US the 6th Space Warning Squadron in Cape Cod, Mass., take over.
‘It is truly a team effort to ensure Santa has a safe trip on his long journey. We are honored to be the European representatives for ‘Santa Track’ this year. Intelligence gathered by Det. 4 of the 18th Intelligence Squadron, co-located with us at ‘RAF’ Feltwell, suggests this will be a very good Christmas,’ said Lt. Col. John Amrine, 5th SPSS Commander.
Reunion 2000
The base has been opened up for this celebration between 10-17 July 2000 by invitation of Brigadier Chris Holtom, the current UK Navy Commandant of Chicksands.
There will be a full programme including guided tours of the ancient priory; a golf tournament at Bedlow; official opening (by Director of American National Security Agency, General Hayden) of a museum dedicated to former US operations at the base; re-dedication of a KIA/MIA memorial; concerts; RAF fly past; fireworks; a Chicksands Pageant celebrating 850 years of history; barn dances; setting up of a nature trail; restoration of a walled garden and much, much more.
Although the celebrations are off limits to the general public the Reunion clashes with one of the few times that the base is open to them. On the weekend of 15-16 July there is a Public Open Day for an English Civil War Re-enactment in the grounds. The entrance fee will be waived for Americans attending the Re-union and while the public will use the South Gate the Americans will use the North Gate.
Q: Mr. Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the new security fence, including cameras, recently erected at RAF Menwith Hill; and what proportion of the costs was met by his Department. [95744]
A: Mr Spellar: The construction of the new security fence at RAF Menwith Hill is being funded by the US Government. The UK contribution is limited to some administrative costs relating to professional fees and management of the works programme to which some £24,000 has been allocated to date. The total cost of the project is a matter for the US authorities. [25.10.99]
Q: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Articles of the (a) Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty and (b) Outer Space Treaty, which govern the use of RAF Menwith Hill (i) as part of the National Missile Defense for the USA and (ii) as part of the Space Based Infra Red System (SBIRS). [95747]
A: Mr. Spellar: The United Kingdom is not party to the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty. Questions on its
interpretation should be addressed to the USA and Russia. Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty requires that the moon and other celestial bodies should be used exclusively for peaceful purposes; prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction in orbit, on the moon or on other celestial bodies; and prohibits placing military facilities, conducting military manoeuvres, or the testing of any type of weapons on the moon and other celestial bodies. It imposes no limitations on other military activities in outer space. [25.10.99]
Q: Lord Kennett: Whether currently planned developments by the United States National Security Agency at Menwith Hill are under the United Kingdom's operational control and are compatible both with the provisions of the Antiballistic Missile Treaty and with the security and commercial interests of the United Kingdom and other members of the European Union.[HL4199]
A: Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Her Majesty's Government retain legal possession and control over sites made available for use by the United States visiting forces. Operational control of deployed forces rests with the United States. The facilities currently under construction at RAF Menwith Hill, which relate to the US Space-Based Infra-Red System, will be operated in accordance with these principles. The systems will provide warning of ballistic missile launches, directly contributing to the security of the UK. This does not affect the commercial interests of either the UK or other EU members. Interpretation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty is a matter for the parties to that treaty. [25.10.99]
Q: Lord Kennett: Whether they have been informed by the United States Government about the intended uses of the space-based infrared system, new construction for which by the United States National Security Agency at Menwith Hill is being funded by the United States Ballistic Missile Defense Organisation for use with the United States National Missile Defense programme; and whether these uses are in accordance with the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (to the continuing "integrity" of which the Foreign Secretary committed the United Kingdom on 23 September at the United Nations); and whether their approval for the construction is needed.[HL4672]
A: Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Her Majesty's Government have been consulted by the United States about the development and intended uses of the space based infrared system (SBIRS). As I stated in my answer of 25 October 1999 (Official Report, col. WA5) HMG retains possession and control over all sites made available for use by the United States visiting forces. It was therefore necessary for the US to seek HMG's permission to construct the European ground relay station of SBIRS at RAF Menwith Hill. Permission was granted on 20 March 1997.
As I explained in my answer of 25 October 1999, interpretation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty is a matter for the parties to that treaty. [11.11.99]
Q: Lord Kennet: Whether the United States National Security Agency construction activities at Menwith Hill, and elsewhere in the United Kingdom and in United Kingdom Dependent Territories (a) are always in full accordance with Local Plans; (b) have been subjected to fully informed local consultation: (c) are subject to Health and Safety Executive and other specialised inspections; and (d) enjoy Crown Exemption or Crown Immunity from planning and other United Kingdom and international law. [HL4682]
A: Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Planning consultations are always lodged by the Defence Estates Agency in accordance with DOE Circular 18/84 for construction activities at RAF Menwith Hill or elsewhere, on behalf of United States Visiting Forces, where planning clearance is required. [At long last this is finally confirmed!]
Health and Safety construction and planning laws apply to RAF Menwith Hill in the same terms as other defence establishments.
Kuwait City, Oct 23 1999 (AFP)
The permanent headquarters, which is connected by video and data links to US Central Command headquarters in Riyadh and Tampa, Florida, was approved by Kuwait in August and is already up and running, the officials said, "It's another way of demonstrating we'll be here on a continuous basis".
USAF Expands Infowar Arsenal
The U.S. Air Force plans to drastically improve its ability to attack a foe with offensive information operations by assigning more people to the job and fielding new cyber weapons. At the same time, military commanders and Pentagon lawyers continue to wrestle with the legalities that govern computer network attacks.
Among the tools offered to Kosovo air campaign planners were offensive cyber weapons that were inserted through satellites and EC-130 Compass Call and Commando Solo electronic warfare aircraft.
One of the concerns about cyber weapons is that their collateral effects cannot be limited to military targets and, therefore, could result in war crimes charges. These legal concerns appear to have stymied even limited information operations in the Kosovo campaign until after the shootdown of a stealthy F-117 by Yugoslavia's computer-aided air defense system.
Besides legal issues, U.S. planners also experienced organization hurdles in carrying out cyber-warfare. "We have to get organized internally," USAF Gen. Joseph Ralston, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said recently. To solve that shortcoming, the service has established an information warfare flight as part of the 9th Air Force at Shaw AFB, S. C. Its responsibility is to support the planning and execution of information attacks and defense.
The team of about 30 people will be involved in planning and linking command posts to information warfare experts in the U.S., such as those at the Air Force Special Operations Command or Air Intelligence Agency.
Several years ago the Air Force established the 609th Information Warfare Squadron at Shaw to conduct both offensive and defensive information operations. But the service realized it had too few personnel to support a squadron at each major command. Instead, several smaller information warfare flights are being established to provide the necessary expertise to operational commanders, said USAF Col. Sammy A. Pierce, who manages Air Force IW efforts at the Pentagon.
A second IW unit will soon be operational as part of 7th Air Force at Osan AB, South Korea. It will be followed next year by additional units at U.S. Air Forces Europe, Ramstein AB, Germany; Pacific Air Forces, Hickam AFB, Hawaii; 8 Air Force at Barksdale AFB, La., and 12th Air Force at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. Earlier this month, senior Air Force leaders also decided to establish an information warfare flight at Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, Ill. USAF recently started its first class at Hurlburt Field, Fla., to train personnel for the information warfare groups.
Next year, U.S. Space Command will establish a standing Joint Task Force for computer network attack. The command already is in charge of computer network defense. Space Command chief USAF Gen. Richard Myers recently briefed the Pentagon on his plans to institutionalize information operations.
Pet Quarantine Rules Change in United Kingdom
New rules established by the British government will let some U.S. service members and Department of Defense employees avoid the standard six-month quarantine for pets when they arrive in the United Kingdom.
The new rules, which fall under a pilot program called the "Pet Travel Scheme," allow pet owners to bypass the country's quarantine law and save the related costs, provided they meet the strict requirements. The program is set to begin in April 1,
2000.
The estimated cost of complying with the PETS program is about $340.00 per pet. However, pet quarantine costs average $2,500.00 per pet.
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.
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!
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.
There have been no new P.A’s since the last newsletter.
The MOD, on behalf of their American clients, are advertising for a Public Relations Officer at MHS. The position should be filled by the time Star Wars comes on line at the base. They obviously think they need some professional help to try and explain away the Star Wars and Echelon role! CAAB will be seeking an interview with this person.
The new security fence (topped with razor wire and cameras placed on masts along the fence line) is almost complete. It is pretty flimsy and no deterrent to the determined. We asked Norman Baker MP to table a question as we were interested to know who owns the fence etc and how much it cost to put up
(see Parliamentary Question section).
The situation concerning the military land byelaws at MHS has become farcical. The MDP have gone to great lengths to prevent another challenge to the byelaws which we say will always be invalid. Since we reported in the last newsletter Lindis has continued to walk on the land at MHS to photograph and protest at the building of the two SBIRS radomes. This land is excluded from the permanent injunction but still covered by the military land byelaws.
By regularly monitoring Harrogate Planning Office we learnt in 1997 that there was to be a significant development at MHS. A press release from the base quietly stated that:
Concrete bases for two SBIRS radomes already in place at Menwith Hill
The Writ/Claim
Writ served on Menwith Hill - 14th October
New interesting information which confirms the operations of ECHELON at MHS has very recently been revealed by Margaret Newsham. She was employed at MHS as an NSA agent in 1997-8. She speaks frankly to a Danish reporter about the ECHELON system. She should know … she helped design it and worked on it.
http://www.politicaltexan.com
http://www.aclu.org/echelonwatch/index.html
http:/www.home.icdc.com/~paulwolf/echelon.htm
LAKENHEATH
(near Brandon, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk)
Recent MOD applications have been received by Forest Heath District Council for:
The Winter 1999 edition of Forest Heath District Council News delivered to local houses in early December contains a double page spread entitled ‘A SPECIAL COMMUNITY - A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP’.
As well as being an American occupied and controlled base, USAF Lakenheath is also home to one of three very important Mesolithic (circa 10,000 BC) occupation sites in Europe.
MILDENHALL
(near Lakenheath, Suffolk)
Recent MOD applications have been received by Forest Heath District Council for:
Inside the September 1999 issue of the Forest Heath District Council News, delivered to households in the area, was a leaflet titled ‘LETTER FROM AMERICA - RAF Mildenhall’s British-American Community Relations Committee Cements Good Relationship’. The leaflet was the first one that locals could remember being delivered in this way or indeed the first mention of the Mildenhall and Lakenheath Americans in the Local Council’s newsletter.
This is NATO’s largest annual public event, hosted by USAF 100th Air Re-fuelling Wing at USAF Mildenhall and will be held over the weekend of 27-28 May 2000.
On 3 November 1999 the USAF 100th Communications Squadron at USAF Mildenhall was named the best US information protection organisation by the National Security Agency (NSA) of America.
FELTWELL
(near Thetford, Norfolk)
Each year the 5th Space Surveillance Squadron sets up a special operations cell called ‘Santa Track’ to apparently monitor the safe arrival of Santa Claus in East Anglia and across Europe.
CHICKSANDS
(near Bedford, Bedfordshire)
Plans are well ahead for reunion at Chicksands of Americans who were stationed at the base from November 1950 to 1995 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the US arrival at this heritage site.
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
SNIPPETS
The United States is planning a major expansion of the air bases it uses in Kuwait to accommodate more US combat aircraft more quickly, senior US officials said here. The 193 million dollar project also calls for upgrading an army base outside Kuwait City to house a permanent headquarters for a heavy infantry brigade, the officials said.
Robert Wall, Aviation Week & Space Technology, 15 November 1999, Pages 102 / 103.
MILDENHALL, England (USAFENS)
ADVANCE NOTICE
Saturday 5 February 2000 and Saturday 1 April 2000
Quaker Meetings for Worship at Menwith
MONEY MATTERS
Updated January 2000