Issue No. 13 - April 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,
Since the last newsletter the issue of the American National Missile Defense system (rebirth of Ronald Reagan's 'Star Wars') has been in the national news; at long last! Three years ago CAAB first became aware of a big expansion at NSA Menwith Hill Station through regularly monitoring Harrogate Planning Department (HPD). Two Space Based Infra Red System (SBIRS) radomes were to be built which were later identified as being part of the American Ballistic Missile Defense system which in turn was a crucial element in the National Missile Defense programme. A press release tucked into a file at HPD later revealed the true extent of the expansion. 'Star Wars 2' had been allowed to slip quietly in.
The thinking coming from the US concerning President Clinton's decision, ( which is expected in June 2000) as to whether to go ahead with the NMD programme is that it may well be delayed; for two main reasons. One - President Clinton may leave his decision until after the Presidential election (George W Bush Jnr. is a keen advocate of NMD). Two - as the next test has been delayed for two months until June 2000 to allow for more research and development connected with the complicated technology which is needed.
In Britain there is reported to be dissent in the UK government about the acceptance of the NMD and the fact that if it is allowed to go head the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty 1972 is breached. Even though the UK is not a party to this treaty, by making land available for this American system the government is complicit in the breach of international law too.
When asked by the media about NMD the UK Government have responded by saying that no approach has yet been made by the US to use the land but that 'if necessary the British would do the duty they owed to the alliance'.
It is important to remember that SBIRS/BMD/NMD is an American system; for American 'protection'; for American interests and American domination in space and……….it is being constructed at MHS now. Very probably the UK government will make an announcement soon giving the US the go-ahead at Fylingdales. However the 'special relationship' is so special that the Americans will do what they want, confident in the knowledge that the UK Government will be right behind them.
The real 'Star Wars' demonstration on 4th March
The main focus of the demonstration was in the car park inside the Main entrance. The new security perimeter fence was decorated with banners from different groups and individuals.
There were speeches from Dave Webb (Yorkshire CND) John Eveleigh (Mayor of Otley - who wore his Chain of Office) Lindis Percy (CAAB) Danbert (of Chumbawumba) and Mark Thomas (Channel 4's Mark Thomas Product). Mark Thomas spoke by telephone to David Shayler (ex M16 officer - exiled in France) who sent a message of support which was relayed to the crowd.
The speakers were introduced by Anni Rainbow (CAAB). Letters of support were read out by Anni from Tony Benn MP, Billy Bragg, Dave Knight (National CND), Glen Wangwala (International lawyer), friends in Canada, Germany, the Anti-bases Campaign in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
We walked round the base. The police made a spontaneous decision to close the busy A59 road because of the size of the walk and real concerns about safety. Two army lorries tried to pass at one stage and were held up for a while as people sat down in front of them. It was all very good humoured and North Yorkshire police did not intervene by removing anyone and the walk moved on.
Many people decided to 'trespass' on to the base in the glorious Spring weather. They were all in breach of the military land byelaws but there was clearly a policy decision by the MDP not to make any arrests (see details of the struggle of the 'byelaws saga' in previous newsletters).
We were accompanied by wonderful drummers who continued to drum as we arrived back at the Main gate. There were no arrests and as one of the police from North Yorkshire said……..he had not seen so many people demonstrating at Menwith Hill for many years. The consensus seemed to be that it was a really good demonstration which ended safely and that it was the start of a growing protest against
America's crazy and dangerous 'Star Wars 2' system.
Two banners prominently placed on the side of the A59 road (STOP the 'real Star Wars') were stolen by someone before we could retrieve them.
(See also CAAB report).
Planning Applications
… A planning application for a warehouse to Building 36x (PA No: 6.99.101.A.CROWND) has been received by Harrogate Planning Office.
Security Fence Construction
… The CCTV cameras are still not in place.
… At the moment only the Main gate is open at night. This means that there is only one way out in an emergency (via the Main entrance) for those who work and live on the base.
… An ornamental garden-type fence has now been put up across the front of the car parks at the Main gate.
(See also issues 12, 11, 7 and picture gallery).
Continuing Byelaws Saga
The objective of being able to freely walk part of the land has finally been achieved. According to the MDP the byelaws remain 'in force and valid.' This state of affairs does however mask the continued institutionalised manipulation and abuse of the byelaws at Menwith Hill Station by the MDP and the Crown Prosecution Service.
The MDP continue to block attempts to challenge the 1996 Military Land Byelaws in the courts by refusing to charge for Byelaw offences. Someone has clearly made a policy decision about this.
High Court Action against Star Wars
The hearing was before Master Tennant in Chambers. Lindis was represented by Stephen Cottle (Barrister) and Matthew Gold (Solicitor) on a pro bono basis. The lawyer representing the First Defendant was also present with a Barrister from the US Embassy to observe the proceedings.
The Writ was not struck out. Master Tennant suggested that the Writ be amended but before this could happen he awarded costs of £4500 against Lindis; to be paid within two months and before any amendments could be made to the Writ.
Message of Thanks
The Writ is at an interesting stage. Amendments have been sent to the Treasury Solicitors and we wait for a response. We are hoping that they will consent to the amendments; if they do not we have to apply to the court for 'leave to amend' the Writ.
If we are successful at this stage we will then be in a position to go ahead to a trial in open court and call expert witnesses. This may be sometime in May/June. If anyone would like to know what is happening (this newsletter will be out before we know the outcome of the next stage) please contact Anni or check the CAAB website (details at the end of this newsletter).
The Solicitor acting for Colonel Clyde D Harthcock (First defendant) has written again to say that he will be claiming immunity and has invited us to concede the action against him. This very reluctantly, we have had to do. The action now continues against the three British defendants.
This is another example of there being no legal redress against the American Visiting Forces (however we are involved in a legal action in the European Court concerning the 'certificate of immunity' in an incident on a public road outside USAF Mildenhall in 1994).
THE NEXT DEMONSTRATION AT MHS
Followed by a demonstration at FYLINGDALES on SATURDAY 8 JULY 2000
Please contact CAAB, Yorkshire CND or National CND for details nearer the time.
Road works
Demonstration
Freedom of the Borough
The Freedom of the Borough has only been given five times in the past 22 years. The vote to award the 'honour' was won by 29 votes to nil with some members not voting.
There were several letters in the local press which reflected a mixed response to this decision.
Noise pollution
We live in Lakenheath and since moving here nine years ago, the noise has got louder. All we ask is a little consideration for our shattered nerves and not to fly directly over our houses.
We have contacted the base many times but they just fob us off and say they cannot do anything to reduce the noise. Often they fly in different patterns and cause much less noise to us and I am sure, no extra noise for others as they perform their strange U-turn maneuvres over the air base and not over our roofs.
It's also a mystery to us as why they stop flying at weekends - although we are thankful for this. If their work is so important, you would think it would continue seven days a week. My advice to any country planning an attack is to do it at the weekend or on an American holiday.
We are told the noise levels are safe but it's very difficult to believe this is true when you cannot communicate with someone in the street even if you shout as loud as you can directly into their ear. This cannot be good for anyone's hearing, especially children.
They have recently started using new F-15s with more powerful engines and we can vouch that they are even louder than before.
When you are enjoying your garden this summer, just think of us poor sods in Lakenheath who cannot relax in our gardens due to World War Three taking place in the skies above our heads. For us, and many others, it is not possible to move house and we have to endure this living hell for the sake of the free world.' (Signed Mr and Mrs Wilson)
Nuclear weapon exercise
The scenario will be: A US military transport plane taking off from USAF Lakenheath and loaded with nuclear weapons being returned to America for servicing. There is a mid-air collision with a local light plane over an open area, and the US plane and it's four B-61 nuclear weapons crashes and is destroyed on impact. All crew on both planes are killed along with a number of local residents.
Lakenheath Parish Council
American blood donor ban
New housing
In the middle of February 19 military family housing units were handed over to the Americans at Ely. This is the first phase of a 518 new homes scheme on seven estates to house American families from USAF Lakenheath and USAF Mildenhall. The scheme includes sites at Thetford, Moulton and Ely.
Major construction
Andy Newell from the 100th Civil Engineering Squadron said 'The operations complex is really the first step in completing the development of the 60-acres site within the next five years'.
'In real terms, this new operations complex means that our wing mission at Mildenhall will be under one roof, stream lining our processes to execute the mission more effectively,' said Lt. Col. Rick Zink. 100th Operations Group deputy commander.
[The Americans are getting truly 'dug in'].
Air Fete - 27-28 May 2000
Anyone (without an injunction!) is entitled to go. It costs £5 per walking adult, £1 for OAPs and children 8-15 or £20 per car/£8 motor cycles…………..so once you have your ticket there are many peaceful alternatives other than plane spotting!
New role
There is apparently some tension between the Foreign Office and the MOD about the National Missile Defense system coming to Fylingdales. Peter Hain MP revealed recently that he was a member of CND and also indicated that he was not happy about the American NMD system.
… An electric fence went up round the operational area three years ago which maybe was a foretaste of things to come?
… Anni and Lindis went to Fylingdales in early March to do some research. We drove into the base and were eventually observed and followed by the MDP as we continued to drive around the electrified fence. The MDP said that the byelaws were 'in force' but 'they were not using them that night.' There have been no arrests under the byelaws for many years at Fylingdales even though there are notices still displayed which say - MOD Property - Byelaws in Force.
PLEASE DON'T FORGET
The demonstration at Fylingdales on Saturday 8 July. This is after the Menwith demonstration on the 4th July - both demonstrations will be organised by CAAB, Yorkshire CND and National CND.
Reunion 2000
(See also CAAB 12)
Warned!
Peace picnic
Incidentally if there is anyone living near to USAF Croughton or any other American base (eg Feltwell, Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Alconbury or Molesworth etc) and feel moved to join in the campaign to bring public scrutiny and accountability to these bases - PLEASE CONTACT US!
ALSO………….Morwenstow in Cornwall in particular needs attention!
On 19 March 2000 after being on the base for about three hours unnoticed Lindis was 'warned' by the MDP not to enter the base within three months or she would risk arrest. Molesworth has a crucial link to MHS. It is the Joint (meaning American Forces) Analysis Center and it is where the Regional Joint Intelligence Training Facility (RJITF) operates from.
CAAB learnt about this role in a document that came into our possession in 1996. Basically Molesworth includes an intelligence training school with Mobile Training Teams available to go far afield with intelligence training. The base offers a range of courses for their European forces with the objective of bringing them into the technological age.
It is part of a huge network for America to ensure that their military, economic and world wide interests are assured on earth and in space.
Spadeadam is jointly financed and operated by the RAF and the USAF. It is the only Electronic Warfare Tactics Training base of it's kind in Europe. Established in 1975 it has been continually upgraded and it's infrastructure has cost well over £100M.
Motion to the Scottish Parliament
This Motion was submitted to the Scottish Parliament as a result of the US Navy bombing a remote Scottish beauty spot with live ammunition.
The USS Eisenhower carrier group was being deployed to the Gulf and sailed from Norfolk, Virginia USA on 18 February 2000. On reaching the Gulf the 75 aircraft on the nuclear powered carrier were then expected to fly missions over Iraq. Before becoming fully operational the carrier group needed to complete a number of exercises including live firing. This was to have taken place in Vieques Island, Puerto Rico but could not be completed because hundreds of local people were camped out on the range.
London offered the Pentagon the use of the Cape Wrath range to part of the carrier group. Two cruisers, USS Anzio (CG68) and USS Cape St. George (CG71) and one destroyer, USS Mahan (DDG72) shelled Cape Wrath with their five inch guns. All of these vessels also carry Tomahawk Cruise missiles.
The Cape Wrath range was in use from the 28 February to 10 March. It is believed the US ships began using the range from 1- 4 March 2000. A group of Scottish peace activists protested against the bombing of Cape Wrath. A spokesman for the group said: 'We are here to show solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico and to stop Scotland being shelled by the US Navy. We are trying to protect the sea bird colony on Cape Wrath and also trying to protect the people of Iraq from being bombed.' [Scottish CND].
There has been very little coverage in the English press about this outrageous decision by the UK government to allow the Americans to use live shells to bomb Cape Wrath.
Q: Mr. Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister under what circumstances interception by the United States of communications initiated by UK citizens is permitted from UK territory. [106654]
A: The Prime Minister: It is long-standing policy not to comment on such matters. [25.01.2000]
Q: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the anti-ballistic missile defence system being constructed at RAF Menwith Hill will provide protection from attack for the United Kingdom. [108895]
A: Mr. Spellar: RAF Menwith Hill is the site for the European Relay Ground Station of the US Space Based Infra Red System (SBIRS). SBIRS is designed to detect and provide information on the launch of ballistic missiles, but offers no physical protection. It will upgrade the detection and warning capabilities that currently contribute to the defence and security of the UK and NATO. [08.02.2000]
Q: Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on the introduction of space-based infra-red satellite systems; and if he will make a statement. [108419]
A: Mr. Hoon: None. But matters relating to the Space Based Infra Red System are the subject of regular discussions between my officials and their US counterparts. [07.02.2000]
Q: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what authority the US Government sought from his Department before commencing the construction of an anti-ballistic missile system at RAF Menwith Hill. [108893]
A: Mr. Spellar: RAF Menwith Hill is the site for the European Relay Ground Station of the US Space Based Infra Red System (SBIRS). SBIRS is designed to detect and provide information on the launch of ballistic missiles. As Her Majesty's Government retain legal ownership and control of all sites made available to the United States Visiting Forces in the UK, it was necessary for the US to seek permission to construct the SBIRS European Relay Ground Station at RAF Menwith Hill. Permission was granted in March 1997. [08.02.2000]
Q: Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he and his officials have held with the United States Government about the future of Fylingdales in Yorkshire; and if he will make a statement. [108664]
A: Mr. Hoon: [holding answer 7 February 2000]: I have discussed with the US Defense Secretary, William Cohen, the possible US requirement for facilities in the UK to support the US National Missile Defence (NMD) programme. We have received no formal request from the US Administration regarding Fylingdales, nor would we expect any until after a US decision on whether or not to proceed towards deployment of the NMD system. [08.02.2000]
Greenham Common - almost full circle
A life sized replica of a Cruise missile will be designed, built and displayed by the local Youth group using materials that were once part of the base….[what a horrid idea!]. It is the culmination of years of struggle by thousands of women who protested so tenaciously against American nuclear weapons being sited at Greenham Common. Common land is restored once again……wonderful and see!……….it can be done!
Keep Space for Peace
Details from CAAB or Yorkshire CND
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.
More than 400 people came to voice their protest against the new 'Star Wars 2'/SBIRS role of Menwith Hill Station. It was a beautiful, sunny, crisp day and the Dales looked magnificent. The Ministry of Defence Police were kept firmly behind the wire which had a positive influence as to the way the demonstration was 'policed' by North Yorkshire police. There was a very efficient mini-bus shuttle to and from Harrogate which enabled people with no transport to get there (there is no public transport to MHS).
A site notice went up around the base on 17 March for an extension to the Medical/Dental Centre (Building 26) to include entrance canopy, ramp and handrail (PA No: 6.90.155.A.CROWND).
The perimeter security fence is complete and is now in the process of being fully 'alarmed'.
Since the last newsletter (we went into some detail) the Ministry of Defence Police have finally decided not to harass, arrest, detain or 'play' with the law when Lindis continues to walk a corner of the land at MHS. She has received notification from the MDP that they intend to take no further action on more cases when she was 'reported with a view to prosecution'. The matter is being reviewed by the lawyers.
On 13 January 2000 in the High Court London the 2/3/4 Defendants made an application for the Writ (see CAAB 12) to be struck out on the grounds that there was an 'abuse of the process of the court'. They said there was 'no cause of action' (eg very little hope of success).
We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of so many people who have enabled us to continue with the Writ. Thank you very much to everyone who sent donations. We hope that you will understand why it was not possible to acknowledge each gift (postage far too expensive). We were able to pay the costs to the Treasury Solicitor within the stipulated time due to a generous friend who gave us an interest free loan.
ON TUESDAY 4 JULY 2000 (INDEPENDENCE FROM AMERICA DAY)
LAKENHEATH
(near Brandon, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk)
Major traffic changes by the Americans to the area outside the Main Gate are now complete.
National CND organised a demonstration on 4 March 2000 (same day as the demonstration at Menwith Hill) as part of a week of international protest against nuclear weapons. It was hoped to hand in to Colonel Irving Halter (the American base commander) a 'citizen's complaint' focussing on NATO's nuclear weapons policy and the role of USAF Lakenheath. No base authority would accept it and the 'complaint' was left by the Main entrance for the Ministry of Defence police to pick up and pass it on. There was a walk of protest and CND reported that they were encouraged by the larger than usual 'turn-out'. A letter of support was sent from CAAB.
At the end of February Bury St Edmunds Borough Council agreed to 'bestow' the Freedom of the Borough on the United States Air Force for the part it has played in the life of the town over the past 60 years. This 'honour', also given to RAF Honington in 1972 will allow the USAF to parade through Bury St Edmunds with their banners in an official ceremony which is likely to take place in the summer.
A letter from someone who lives very near the base said:
EXERCISE DIMMING SUN was cancelled in 1999 due to the American/NATO commitments in Kosovo. It is now due to take place on the Stanford Battle area near Thetford, Norfolk in the summer of 2003 [information from Andy Stulpa].
Squadron Leader Paul Seymour (RAF Liaison Officer at USAF Lakenheath) attended the meeting on 10 January 2000. He said that there would be increased flying from USAF Lakenheath due to the changes in the operational capacity as Lakenheath is now a primary of the US Expeditionary Force. Members of the Council were to be invited to the base for a briefing and to see F-15 aircraft. (Mildenhall Journal 20 Jan 2000)
USAF Lakenheath is the only blood donor centre for the US military in England. Blood supplies from this centre are sent to Germany; not given to the National Blood Transfusion Centre. These supplies are then distributed to the US military forces in Europe. Recently the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) imposed a ban on donors who have lived in the UK for more than six months between 1980 and 1996. The Americans imposed this ban as a precautionary measure because of a perceived link between blood and new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (nvCJD). The ban also includes any diabetics who have injected bovine derived insulin that has been manufactured since 1980 from cattle in the UK.
MILDENHALL
(near Lakenheath, Suffolk)
Construction began in January at a cost of £7.2M to put all tanker operations under one roof. This will bring together all the men and women in charge of the flying operations for the 100th Air Refueling Wing.
As we mentioned in CAAB 12 - it's back - after being cancelled last year because of US/NATO action in Kosovo. The theme of this year's air fete is 'Onward' and will focus on the future of aerospace forces. 'This year we are going to be back and be as big as ever' said USAF spokesman Matthew Borg.
FYLINGDALES
(near Pickering, North Yorkshire)
Geoff Hoon Secretary of State for Defence said recently (see Parliamentary Questions and Answers) that no approach had been made to the UK government by the US to allow Fylingdales to be used as part of the American National Missile Defense system. On the other hand Geoff Hoon has made it quite clear that he would view any such request favourably.
CHICKSANDS
(near Bedford, Bedfordshire)
50 complimentary tickets for a day tour of Woburn Abbey have been made available to the American personnel attending the Chicksands Reunion 2000 from 10-17 July. The Marquis and Marchioness of Tavistock who own Woburn Abbey have donated the free tickets.
CROUGHTON
(near Brackley, Northamptonshire)
Lindis was given a contradictory 'warning' not to return to this base within three months recently by the local Brackley civil police. She walked inside the base for about two hours unnoticed and left via the Main entrance. Regular attention and research has been done at this base by CAAB. Recently we were involved with a serious breach of security in the radome area. (NOTE: the MDP are not present on this American base. The Americans call the local police when needed).
By the time this newsletter is published Oxford CND will have had a picnic at the base on Sunday 2 April 2000. They are intending to hand in an open letter to the American base commander Lt Col Nelson E Arroyo; highlighting and protesting at the possible connections with this and other American bases in the US 'Star Wars' plans.
MOLESWORTH
(near Huntingdon, Cambrigeshire)
SPADEADAM
(Gisland, Carlisle, Cumbria)
CAPE WRATH
(Sutherland, Scotland)
*S1M-630 Dorothy Grace Elder: American Navy exercise at Cape Wrath:-
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
SNIPPETS
The perimeter fence is finally due to come down on Saturday 8 April 2000. In a bizarre twist West Berkshire Council have arranged a ceremony and have invited people to gather on Greenham Common to remove the fence.
ADVANCE NOTICE
MONEY MATTERS
Updated April 2000