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JURY STILL OUT ON SAFETY OF CS SPRAYThe deployment of CS spray by the Manx police, two weeks ago, has resulted in its use on three occasions. It would seem its operational use and effectiveness are therefore confirmed. However, serious doubts remain about the justification for using the (CS) spray in police operations. The agent differs from CS gas, which was introduced and then withdrawn from use in N. Ireland, but as with the Gas the risks associated with its operation (to both operator and target) remain undetermined. A report by the Department of Health in 1999 concluded that there were no health concerns over its use and a Police Complaints Authority assessment last year also gave it a qualified thumbs up, provided it was used under the proper conditions. However, a series of letters and articles published in the medical periodicals such as the British Medical Journal and the Pharmaceutical Journal continued to question its safety. These medical sources reveal considerable disquiet and differences in estimates of the hazards involved in using a severe irritant within confined spaces, and where emergency action is called for and cool calculations may be out of the question. CS spray is a solution of CS solid mixed with a non-aqueous solvent, methyl isobutyl ketone. Methyl isobutyl ketone is an industrial degreasing agent and much of the irritation produced when a face is sprayed can be attributed to the solvent, which irritates eyes and respiratory tract. Moreover, allergic contact dermatitis from repeated exposure may affect the user. The solvent can cause skin reddening, scaling, blistering and peeling as well as irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract. In at least one case in the UK death resulted from the use of CS spray and the merits or otherwise of its creeping deployment across the Police services of the UK is the subject of continued controversy. The use of CS spray may be effectively a 'fait accompli' as regards the Isle of Man but the long term effects of its continued use are more difficult to quantify. Bernard Moffatt 
MANX NATIONALIST ATTITUDES HARDENSpeaker at annual commemoration attacks traitorous government for "genocidal destruction of the Manx people". The Chairman of the Manx Nationalist Party (Mec Vannin) launched a strong attack on the policies of the Manx government during the annual Illiam Dhone commemoration held on the 2nd of January. Speaking at the ceremony Mark Kermode condemned as "traitors" those within the Manx administration who sought "growth for growth's sake" and he said that the "real policy makers" in the Isle of Man were "faceless entities that manipulate the government to their own ends". The address formed part of a series of attacks by both Mark Kermode and Manx language activist Phil Kelly on politicians and business interests who are seen by nationalists to be exploiting the Isle of Man for their own interests and destroying the distinct cultural identity of the Manx people. Both speakers reflected a concern that government policies "have resulted in a genocidal destruction of the Manx nation". The statements, at the annual commemoration to a martyr executed by the English in 1663, are often seen as a reflection of the attitude of the nationalist political and cultural movement. This year's comments indicate a growing frustration at the sell-out by the Manx government of the Manx Nation and a marks a hardening of attitude amongst nationalists. Bernard Moffatt Celtic League
BRETON PRISONERS SUPPORT AT MANX MARTYR COMMEMORATION The Secretary General of the Celtic League has said that the struggle to achieve freedom for the Celtic countries still goes on and nationalists are suffering imprisonment today just as others suffered in the past. Speaking at the annual wreath laying commemoration ceremony (2/1/01) to Manx patriot Illiam Dhone who was executed by the English in 1663 he said that the Celtic League were active, as ever, in support of those imprisoned as part of the National independence struggles. He highlighted in particular the plight of nine Bretons currently imprisoned by the French government some of whom have recently taken part in hunger strikes to focus attention on there campaign to be moved to prisons in Brittany. The Celtic League is supporting their campaign. Bernard Moffatt Celtic League
"MANXMEN NEED NOT APPLY"The Manx Nationalist Party, Mec Vannin, has attacked the decision of the Manx government to pass over for promotion the Deputy Chief Constable of the Isle of Man. When a new Chief Constable was appointed last year. In an article in the nationalist news-sheet "Yn Pabyr Seyr" they say: "Recently retired Deputy Chief Constable Alan Cretney, in keeping with all his predecessors, had to be able to perform the job of Chief Constable whenever the incumbent was not available to do so. In other words, he had to be competent to be a Chief Constable. Despite this, and again like his predecessors, when the opportunity arose for him to fill the job to which he was deputy, he was ignored. He wasn't passed over in favour of what may have been considered a better candidate from within our force, he was passed over in favour of someone from entirely outside the Island, whose knowledge of the Island was limited, and who had not acted in a comparable role to Mr. Cretney. Futher to this, the successful applicant had, at the time of his appontment, decided to quit policing to go into "consultancy." This raises the question of motivation. No-one can criticise a person who believes that their life and career is best furthered by leaving the police but what selection panel would consider such a person as best candidate for a role of far greater authority to which they had previously served? The role of Chief Constable must be just that, a Chief of Police whose life's work is dedicated to policing. "Managerialism" is not appropriate to many occupations and policing is one of them. Mr. Culverhouse's buzz-words and phrases and playing with image may be (arguably) good for public profile, but is it improving policing? Mr. Culverhouse aside, the episode firmly re-iterates what has been said for many years an all walks of higher employment in Mannin: Manxmen need not apply". The article along with other comment delivered at the annual Illiam Dhone commemoration indicates a sharpening of attitude by nationalists to Manx government policies. Bernard Moffatt 03/01/01
CS IS SAFE SAY POLICELeague approach British Home Secretary to ascertain if all research has been revealed. The Manx Police have responded to concerns expressed by the Celtic League about the deployment of CS Spray operationally by the Manx force. The Police have defended its introduction and said that the Spray is cleared by the United Kingdom Home Office. They also said the Spray was unlikely to have been deployed for use if the manufacturer had concerns over its safety because of the threat of litigation. The Celtic League have now written to Home Secretary Jack Straw asking if all research into the effects of the Spray undertaken by the United Kingdom Chemical and Biological Research establishment at Porton Down has been made available to both the Police and the public. The League have also written to the authorities in Wales and Scotland to clarify the position there. Research at Porton, in 1996, raised question-marks about the safety of CS Spray and we understand that some of this research has still not been made public. We have also asked the Home Secretary about safe dosage limits fixed by the manufacturer and how these can be monitored in operational situations. Bernard Moffatt 03/01/01 The United Kingdom Home Secretary Dear Mr. Straw, Ref. CS Spray. I write with reference to the deployment of CS Spray by a number of Police Forces in England and Wales. I understand that this deployment was/is endorsed by the Home Office. Could I enquire what research the Home Office conducted prior to its introduction, if the results of this research have been made publicand where copies can be obtained? Has this research defined a safe dosage limit? (see below)< I understand that the Chemical and Biological Research Establishment at Porton Down produced a series of reports (from 1996) one of which suggested that the spray posed a serious hazard and could cause cancer. Have all the reports produced for you by Porton Down been made public and if so where can copies be obtained ? I have seen a quote in a BBC report attributed to a campaign group opposed to CS Spray in the UK which comments on safety limits recommended by the manufacturer - as follows: "Union Carbide who manufacture it recommend a safety limit of one part in a million, which is equivalent to a strong smell. But when you are getting sprayed in the face with the stuff, you get a lot more than a strong smell". I appreciate graphic language may be used by opponents of a particular policy but can you confirm that the dosage received when CS Spray is directed at the face does not exceed the safe limit set by the manufacturer? Finally, I appreciate that there is a considerable difference between CS Spray and CS Gas which was deployed in N. Ireland in the 1970s. However can you explain why Police and troops asked to deploy with CS Gas there were provided with protective equipment to insure against inhalation or other contamination and yet there is no comparable safety procedure for the usage of CS Spray? Yours sincerely, J B Moffatt 03/01/01 Letter to Sottish Executive (also similar to Wales) First Minister Dear Sir, Ref'. CS Spray I draw your attention to the attached correspondence to the United Kingdom Home Secretary concerning the deployment of CS Spray by police forces in England and Wales. Could you indicate which forces in Scotland use this agent? Could you also confirm if all the Porton Down research we refer to in out correspondence has been made available to both the Police Forces and the public.? We understand that in the Porton Down reports it was suggested that the solvent Methyl isobutryl ketone (MIBK) could be poisonous and in the long term carcinogenic and mutagenic. Have you any information which confirms or denies this and is that information available to the Police Forces and the public? Yours sincerely, J B Moffatt 03/01/01
MITTERAND ALLEGATIONS LATEST IN SERIES OF ARMS LINKSNew allegations linking the son of the late French president to arms trading in Africa indicate that Manx registered companies may still be involved in this deplorable trade. This despite assurances that loopholes allowing Arms Traders to operate from the Isle of Man would be plugged. Once again the links alleging trading by companies operating from the Isle of Man with the arms trade in Africa have been exposed. Jean-Christophe Mitterand son of the late French president is accused of illegal arms trafficking and is said to have used a string of companies in various tax havens including Switzerland and the Isle of Man. This is the latest in a string of connections stretching back decades which have seen Manx based companies involved in arms trading and breaches of UN sanctions on the continent. Last year a United Kingdom newspaper (1) exposed the use by British companies of offshore centres like the Isle of Man in arming the Rwanda Hutu militia. These militias were involved in several horrendous incidents including an attack on a group of British and American tourists. Eight of the party, including four Britons, were butchered. This was not the first Rwanda link. In November 1996 documents seized in Rwanda from retreating Hutu militia revealed a tangled web of arms trafficking linked to the Isle of Man and other off-shore centres(2). The 'Sandline' episode also showed that arms traders were still using offshore jurisdictions in an effort to conceal their tracks. What is perhaps disturbing about these Africa links is that they are not isolated incidents but stretch back over decades. There is indeed a culture of shadowy and sinister links which probably began at the time of Apartheid and the Rhodesia sanctions and have continued since. In 1987 the United Kingdom Independent newspaper (3) revealed details of secret meetings between the Isle of Man government and Southern African business interests. Also in 1987 first details of an aircraft leasing and transport operation similar to that cited in the recent news reports was revealed. The Observer newspaper (4) carried a report that a company with offices registered in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Shannon freeport in the Irish Republic was engaged in leasing Hercules transport aircraft to a company called Southern Air Transport, based in Florida, which was at that time engaged in supplying arms to rebels fighting with UNITA against the Angolan government. After the exposure of the Manx involvement in the Rwanda genocide the Celtic League called for law changes which would make it impossible for the arms dealers, who trade on the death and misery of hundreds of thousands of people, to operate here. The government responded with the Islands FSC announcing that loopholes would be closed (5). The loopholes however appear to still exist. Have our calls and those of others (6) gone unheeded with more people dead? Why has no one been prosecuted for assisting in one of the worst genocides in the last decade (indeed century) the massacre of one million Tutsis. We should recognise also that, although the deathsof the European tourists last year were well publicised, the militias armed by these companies are still spreading a rain of murder, rape and destruction across the Central African region with weapons supplied at the time with the help of companies operating from the Isle ofMan and other offshore centres. The Mitterand connection in just the latest in a serious of allegations some proven about links between tax havens and the International arms trade it is past time an extensive International investigation was mounted to root out the merchants of death once and for all J B Moffatt 04/01/01 Reference sources: (1) UK Firms Armed Hutu Killers - Observer 7/3/99
GERMANY REVIEWS STANCE OVER McBRIDE KILLERSLeague asks NATO - why no Code to preclude the deployment under arms of convicted murders? The Celtic League welcome the news that German Defence Minister, Rudolph Scharping, is reviewing a decision to allow two British soldiers, convicted of the murder in Ulster to continue to serve in Germany. Scots Guards Mark Wright and James Fisher were convicted of the murder of Belfast man Peter McBride in 1992 but released by Mo Mowlam in 1998 and allowed to rejoin their regiment. The Celtic League has been a vociferous opponent of the decision to allow the two murderers to rejoin their Regiment and in December 1998 we wrote to all NATO governments alerting them to the fact that British Armed forces, sent to serve in their countries, may include those convicted of serious crime, including murder, in N. Ireland. We said: "in recent years, the British government has allowed its Army to accept back into its ranks a number of servicemen who have been convicted of the murder of civilians whilst on service in N. Ireland, A recent example is the re-integration back into the British Army of two Scots guardsmen Mark Wright and James Fisher who murdered a Belfast Catholic man, and father of two children Peter McBride. These individuals together with others could be deployed in your country. It is of course a matter for your government to determine if this situation is either safe or morally desirable. We would also question if the re-integration of convicted killers into the British Armed Forces is not at odds with the preamble to the North Atlantic Treaty". The League will be again writing to all NATO governments re-iterating that they have a moral duty to their people not to allow convicted murderers to be deployed by the British Army in their countries. The League have also written to the NATO Secretary General, George Robertson, asking why NATO has no Code or Standard which precludes those convicted of murder being deployed under arms by the Organisation. Bernard Moffatt 06/01/01 Text of letter to NATO SEC-GENERAL Mr. George Robertson Dear Secretary General, As a former British Defence Secretary you will be familiar with the case of two Scots Guardsmen, Mark Wright and James Fisher, who were convicted of the murder of Belfast man Peter McBride in 1992 but released by Mo Mowlam in 1998 and allowed to rejoin their regiment. The family of the murdered man and sympathetic groups have long campaigned to ensure that these soldiers do not continue to serve under arms. Recently the Irish Parliament unanimousily condemned the British government over its stance on this issue. We understand that now the German Government, via Defence Minister Rudolph Scharping, are reviewing their decision to allow the two British soldiers to continue to serve in Germany. The Celtic League wrote to all NATO Governments in 1998 advising them that the British government was allowing those convicted of serious crimes, including murder, to rejoin combat units. Can you advise why NATO apparently has no Code of Practice or Standard that precludes convicted murders serving in its armed Forces? Can you also advise which NATO countries allow those convicted of serious crimes such as murder to serve in their armed forces? Yours sincerely J B Moffatt 06/01/01 Pro -forma letter to All NATO Embassies - London The Ambassador Dear Sir, In December 1998 we wrote to all NATO governments alerting them to the fact that British troops, sent to serve in their countries, include those convicted of serious crime, including murder, in N. Ireland. We said: "in recent years, the British government has allowed its Army to accept back into its ranks a number of servicemen who have been convicted of the murder of civilians whilst on service in N. Ireland, A recent example is the re-integration back into the British Army of two Scots guardsmen Mark Wright and James Fisher who murdered a Belfast Catholic man, and father of two children Peter McBride. These individuals together with others could be deployed in your country. It is of course a matter for your government to determine if this situation is either safe or morally desirable. We would also question if the re-integration of convicted killers into the British Armed Forces is not at odds with the preamble to the North Atlantic Treaty". Our comment at that time has a new significance given the news that German Defence Minister, Rudolph Scharping, is reviewing a decision to allow the two British soldiers mentioned in our correspondence to you, to continue to serve in Germany. I trust that you will convey a copy of our letter and the enclosed copy of the letter to the Secretary General of NATO to your Defence and Foreign Ministries Yours sincerely J B Moffatt 06/01/01
DUTCH DUMP NUCLEAR WASTE AT SELLAFIELDThe Celtic League has written to the Dutch government to protest at its continued dumping of its nuclear waste at Sellafield. In a letter to the Dutch Embassies in London and Dublin the League say that the policy shows a callous disregard for the safety of communities around the Irish sea and a contempt for the governments of Ireland and the Isle of Man. Both the Irish and Manx government are strong opponents of the operations of the Sellafield nuclear plant and have repeatedly pressed the United Kingdom to close the accident-prone facility. The Dutch are currently de-commissioning a nuclear plant at Dodewaard in the Netherlands and shipment from the plant arrived at Sellafield prior to Xmas. In addition to the dangers posed by the storage or reprocessing of the spent fuel there is also the added hazard posed by its transportation through the Irish sea. Two years ago the Celtic League protested to the British government and BNFL about the use of Ro Ro ferries to transport waste between the Continent and the united Kingdom. Subsequently the Secretary General of the League visited the BNFL transportation facility at Barrow to view safety standards. It would appear this latest shipment was conveyed on a purpose built nuclear transport ship. However, as the 1990 report by LARGE & ASSOCIATES (nuclear safety consultants) established, the risks associated with the use of even purpose-built nuclear transportation vessels of the type BNFL use poses an unacceptably high risk. The League will be urging the Irish and Manx governments to protest about the shipments to both the British and Dutch governments. Bernard Moffatt 06/01/01 Text of letter to Netherlands Embassies London & Dublin The Ambassador 06/01/01 Dear Mr. Ambassador, Your government must be aware of the strident opposition to the operation of this plant by community and environmental groups around the Irish sea. Your government will also be aware of the long standing opposition of both the Irish and Manx governments to the operation of the plant and their repeated requests to the United Kingdom to close the facility. In the circumstances your governments decision to allow these shipments shows a callous disregard for the safety of communities around the Irish sea and a contempt for the governments of Ireland and the Isle of Man. The Sellafield plant has an appalling operational record. Over the years there have been hundreds of incidents involving plant malfunctions and leakage of radiation. The plant was the subject of a major scandal only months ago when safety standards were found to have been breached and in the last two weeks a fire occurred within the complex. In addition to the risks posed at the plant itself there is the added danger to the marine environment of the Irish sea posed by the sea transportation of your countries nuclear waste. A report, prepared by the nuclear safety consultants Large & Associates in 1990, concluded that despite the construction of purpose-built nuclear transports the risk posed by sea transportation were unacceptably high. Given these circumstances I would respectfully request that the government of the Netherlands reconsider its decision to allow these waste shipments to continue. Yours sincerely J B Moffatt
LOW FLYING BEGINS AGAINObsolete aircraft and outdated systems increase the dangers posed to rural communities in Wales and Scotland as RAF low flying training resumes. Despite a number of serious accidents, involving aircraft participating in low level operations the RAF will kick-start the New Year with a series of exercises. Air operations commence over the Tactical Training Area in mid Wales from the beginning of next week and more general low-level training will also be under-way over other areas of Wales and Scotland designated for low flying. It seems inevitable that serious accident or loss of life will occur. The mainstay of the RAF operational air fleet Tornado, Jaguar and Harrier aircraft are now approaching obsolescence. The Jaguar, for example, is now almost thirty years old and although subject to upgrade is hardly at the cutting edge of operational effectiveness. The Tornado meanwhile, again some of which have been subjected to expensive upgrades, is still thought to be plagued by engine problems which caused a series of aircraft fires over the past decade. It was also revealed last month that from January 2001 an added risk may occur because radio systems (ILS) in some military aircraft and helicopters will become obsolete when new frequencies are allotted to commercial users. The extent of the difficulty is impossible to quantify because the MOD are being 'incredibly tight-lipped' about the problems likely to occur - possibly because they just cannot say how widespread it will be. Community groups in Wales and Scotland are appalled at the decision of the RAF to continue low level operations of this type and even some military Chiefs doubt the effectiveness of the policy, given combat experience in the Balkans and Iraq. In Wales calls have been made for action by the Welsh Assembly to condemn low flying and to post public warnings of the danger posed. The Celtic League has long called for the RAF to discontinue its dangerous war games and operations at levels as low as 100'. The danger is not just that posed by noise pollution but the very real possibility that one of these aircraft will plough into a country village or hamlet causing death and injury. Bernard Moffatt 06/01/01
RANGE POLLUTION QUERYThe Celtic League have written to the British Defence Minister about the environmental impact of depleted uranium weapons test fired from ranges in SW Scotland into the N. Irish sea. The Secretary General of the League says in correspondence to Geoff Hoon MP: "I refer to current concerns about the radiation pollution associated with the use of depleted uranium munitions. We understand that for many years ordinance of this type has been test fired from ranges on the coast of SW Scotland and Cumbria. Can you provide an indication of the quantity of ordnance fired from these ranges during the period that depleted uranium rounds have been in use? In the light of the concerns about the environmental impact of these munitions will the MOD or the Environment Agency be carrying out a new study to ascertain if this material, the debris from which the MOD did not recover, poses any long term threat to the marine environment." Depleted uranium weapons are currently in focus following revelations that troops and civilians exposed to them in the Balkans and Iraq have contracted cancer. A number of deaths are alleged to have occurred. The Celtic league recognize that test firing into the sea would reduce any threat. However, it is a concern that an area already heavily polluted with radiation by the BNFL facility at Sellafield has this added environmental pollutant. The Solway coast and bay area is a key nursery area for some species of sea-fish and the League are anxious to ensure that the MOD provide the fullest background on any long term pollution problem. Bernard Moffatt 08/01/01
DON'T CONCEAL NUCLEAR INCIDENTS - MEACHER TOLDMicheal Meacher, the United Kingdom Environment Minister, is being asked by the Celtic League why a fire at the plant was apparently hushed up for some days after it occurred on Xmas eve. In correspondence to the Minister the League state: I understand that a fire occurred in the Sellafield Vitrification Plant on Christmas Eve. Could you advise when information about the fire was released to the public or media by either the UK government or BNFL. Given the horrendous consequences of the fire in the 1950s at the Sellafield Winsdscale plant what arrangements does the British government have for alerting neighbouring States to such incidents. I appreciate that British Nuclear Fuels have indicated that the fire had a below scale classification on the INES but nevertheless it is disturbing that any fire at a plant of this type is not immediately notified to neighbouring states. It is worrying that, given the previous record of Sellafield and other Irish sea nuclear plants, there does not seem to be immediate public information when incidents of this type occur. Bernard Moffatt Celtic League
DEPLETED URANIUM - ANSWERS SOUGHTLeague ask about USAF A-10 crash in mid Wales and which ranges in Wales and Scotland were used by tank-buster aircraft and shipboard missile defence systems on military exercises. The Celtic League has broadened the scope of its enquiries about the possible contamination of sites around the British Isles with depleted uranium. The present focus has been on experimental firing of the munitions from bases in SW Scotland and Cumbria. However, the League have now written to UK armed forces Minister John Spellor asking if ranges in other areas of the country have been used. They are also seeking information about the crash in mid-Wales some years ago of a USAF A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft. The A-10 is a main delivery platform for DUM and is used extensively in the tank-busting role. Based in Europe for nearly two decades the League believe it has exercised frequently on ranges in Wales and Scotland and over the N. Irish sea. The League have also asked John Spellor to confirm where naval warships anti-missile defence systems which use the munition were tested. The League have specifically requested detail of any testing at the Aberporth test facility in the central Irish sea area. Bernard Moffatt Celtic League 13/01/01 Text of letter to Ministry of Defence follows: Mr. John Spellor MP 14/01/01 Dear Minister, Re. Depleted Uranium Munitions (DUM) Given the current focus on the possible toxicity of depleted uranium munitions we are trying to establish just exactly where in the United Kingdom these weapons have been tested or used on exercise. Ranges in SW Scotland and Cumbria are utilised for test firing but could you advise if USAF A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft based in Europe have used ranges in the United Kingdom for exercises during which this munition was expended. I understand that Thunderbolt aircraft used ranges in the N. Irish sea area (one now disused) and also possibly Pembrey in Wales. Can you confirm or deny this? What other air to ground firing ranges have been used by the type? On a related point, the Royal Navy is to discontinue using DUM on its warships. The weapons which use this type of munition i.e. the close range missile defence systems must also have been subjected to test firing against target aircraft. Can you advise which ranges around the British Isles were used and specifically if, during the development of these systems, the facility at Aberporth in mid Wales, or missile ranges in scotland, were used? Finally, I understand that RAF aircraft do not use this type of munition. Can you confirm this? As indicated above however, USAF aircraft, such as the A-10 Thunderbolt, do utilise the munitions for the 30 mm tank assault weapon they carry. I understand that one of these aircraft crashed in mid-Wales some years ago. Was it carrying any of this type of munition and if so what decontamination was undertaken at the crash site? Have there been other Thunderbolt crashes in the UK? Yours sincerely, J B Moffatt
McBRIDE - PROTESTS CONTINUESeveral League branches add voice to protest - NATO deployment of the murderers highlighted by League. Several branches of the Celtic League have lodged protest with the British Government about the decision to allow convicted killers Mark Wright and James Fisher to continue to serve in the British Army. In a letter to the Irish Premier, Bertie Ahern the Leagues United States branch Secretary, Margaret Sexton, expresses concern and urges the Irish government to "continue to impress on the British government the offense that the decision causes to the family of Mr. McBride". In a parallel letter to Defence Minister Geoff Hoon Ms. Sexton says that the British government has "caved in to political pressure" and a high profile press campaign. She asks "Is this the example that the British Army wishes to display to the world?" Meanwhile the Secretary of the Breton branch of the Celtic League has also written to the British Governent In a letter to the Ministry of Defence Breton branch secretary Jakez Derouet says "It is quite outrageous that convicted murderers, receiving life sentences should, not only be released, but allowed to continue their careers in the British army". The Bretons also accuse the British government of bowing to "establishment pressure and a high profile and dubious press campaign". To coincide with world wide protests last month the Celtic League Secretary General wrote to the Ambassadors of all NATO countries concerning the decision of the British army to deploy Fisher and Wright with a NATO unit in Germany. Several have responded. The Czech Embassy in London has said that no NATO troops currently serve on its soil. However, they have agreed to pass our concerns to the Foreign and Defence Ministries. The First Secretary of the Netherlands Embassy to Dublin has also been in touch with the League asking for further information and agreeing to pass on concerns. Bernard Moffatt Celtic League 16/01/01
CPT POSITIVE ON PRISONERS RELOCATION DEMANDPrisoners rights body consider Celtic League concerns about Breton prisoners rights to serve sentence in homeland. The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has responded positively to concerns expressed by the Celtic League about the plight of Breton detainees forced to serve their sentence outside Brittany. A letter from CPT Deputy Executive Secretary, Geneviève Mayer, states: "In certain of its reports (e.g. concerning visits to Spain), the European Committee has expressed its view that humanitarian considerations, not to mention the objectives of social rehabilitation, speak in favour of prisoners serving their sentences in the region where they have family ties, i.e. in the prisoners original social environment" The Celtic League protest to the CPT expressed concern.about the treatment of Breton, Basque or Corsican prisoners held under anti-terrorism legislation/charges. We alleged that there seemed to be a prima facie case that the treatment of the prisoners was guided by political considerations and not humanitarian principles. We also asserted that in the case of the Breton prisoners the decision to imprison them so far from their homes was at odds with European Model Prison Rules. CPT Deputy Executive Secretary, Geneviève Mayer, says that the members of the CPT will be advised of the concerns we raised and our request that the issue is taken up with the French Government. One of the ten Breton detainees located at Prisons in the Paris area has been released since the original protest. However, the others continue to be detained. In an act which seems to be a petty response to the International attention being focused on their case a Celtic cultural journal CARN, supplied by the Celtic League to each prisoner, has not been delivered. Bernard Moffatt 21/01/01
THREAT TO GAELIC IN THE HEART OF SCOTLANDThe Celtic league have criticised Perth & Kinross Council in central Scotland for their decision to consider the cessation of Gaelic Medium Education and peripatetic Gaelic teaching in Perth & Kinross. As part of a drive to save money from the council's education budget, Perth & Kinross are consulting upon the option of closing the Gaelic Medium primary and nursery unit in Perth and of ceasing Gaelic medium secondary provision in Perth Academy. The council are also consulting upon the removal of the peripatetic Gaelic teacher who teaches the language as a subject in primary schools in Highland Perthshire. If implemented, the Celtic League believes that these cuts would also threaten the long term future of the availability of Gaelic as a secondary school subject in Perth and Breadalbane Academies. According to Celtic League spokesman Bernard Moffatt, "Perth & Kinross Council call the area which they serve 'the Heart of Scotland'. The proposals which the council are putting forward for Gaelic are heartless and would, if implemented, tear the heart out of the local Gaelic community. We call upon the council to remove Gaelic education from their list of options for cuts." In addition to the priotest from the League's General Council individual branches are also querying the Council's action in a seperate protest the Chairman of the Celtic League, Cathal O Luain, writing on behalf of its Irish branch says: "As a supporter of Gaelic and indeed all the Celtic Languages, I am writing to you on behalf of the Irsh Branch of the Celtic League to express my disappointment at the news that Perth and Kinross Council are considering the complete discontinuation both of peripatetic Gaelic subject teaching in Highland Perthshire primaries and of Gaelic medium education in Perth. In view of progress made in recent years to redress the decades long neglect of Gaidhlig this is very surprising and would be extremely detrimental if implemented. Like the local and national Gaelic community in Scotland, I and the Irish League Branch members find these proposed cuts totally unacceptable and urge the council to ensure that these cuts do not go ahead." The League centrally has written to the Council Chief Executive Harry Robertson calling upon him to ensure that the threat is removed upon Gaelic medium and Gaelic subject teaching in Perth & Kinross. Bernard Moffatt 23/01/01 (Text of letter to Council - below) Mr. Harry Robertson (Chief Executive) Dear Mr Robertson, As a group whose aim includes the promotion of the Celtic languages, we are writing to you to express our extreme concern at the news that Perth & Kinross Council are considering the axing of the Gaelic peripatetic teacher for Highland Perthshire and the total cessation of Gaelic medium education (GME) in Perth and Kinross. We call upon you to ensure that these cuts do not take place. We would remind you that the Scottish Executive has recently designated Gaelic education as a "national priority" for education and that the recent Schools Act 2000 legally obliges local authorities to state annually "the ways in which - or the circumstances in which, they will Perth & Kinross Council's Gaelic education provision is seen by local Gaelic speakers as being at the very heart of the Gaelic community and of the local Gaelic revival. We feel that the withdrawal of GME in Perth and of the Peripatetic Gaelic teacher in Highland Perthshire would demoralise the local Gaelic community and reverse all of the considerable progress which has been made for the language in Perth and Kinross in recent years. Their withdrawal would also put a question mark over the long-term future of Gaelic as a secondary school subject in Breadalbane and Perth academies. The Gaelic cuts are opposed by the parents of children in the Gaelic unit, by the local An Comunn Gaidhealach Branches and by several national Gaelic organisations such as CLI, the national Gaelic development agency Comunn na Gàidhlig and by Comann nam Pàrant (Nàiseanta). We trust that you will listen to the national Gaelic community on this matter and will ensure that no cuts are made in Perth & Kinross Gaelic provision. Yours sincerely, J B Moffatt 23/01/01
VOICE OF STATELESS NATIONS WILL BE HEARDThe Celtic League gave its wholehearted support to the conference in Barcelona last weekend (19-21 January) which brought together a broad range of Stateless Nations within the Political States of the European Union. The League was represented at the conference by Cathal O Luain, Convenor, and Mark Kermode, Assistant Secretary General. CONSEU - the Conference on Nations Without State in Europe - was meeting for its fourth session and the earlier emphasis on cultural and linguistic matters was complemented with an emphasis on self-determination, sovereignty and human rights. There was a feeling amongst many delegates that the evolving European political scene was at a "cross-roads". Europe could either become a Centralist Super-State perpetuating the agenda of the old Nation States such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Spain or it could evolve into a genuine 'Europe of Peoples'. A broad swathe of the National minorities of Europe were represented at the meeting which included delegates from Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Mannin (Isle of Man), Brittany, Faeroe Islands, Galicia, Basque Country (Euskal Herria), Catalunya, Slovenia, Flanders, Corsica, Sardinia and others. Cathal O Luain and Mark Kermode outlined the commitment of the Celtic League over forty years to the cause of self-determination, not only for the Celtic people but also for others in the diaspora of forgotten States of Europe. The League was complimented by Yann Choucq, the Legal adviser of CONSEU for its work for both National and Human Rights. The meeting agreed a programme of action, the most important decision being the formation of a Standing Secretariat to progress joint objectives ahead of probable fundamental changes to the European Union in three years time. A stark warning was given by a Basque delegate who said that a failure, by a future enlarged EU, to recognize all National groups within its boundaries would be "an act of genocide". Bernard Moffatt 23/01/01
GERMANS FOLLOW DUTCH IN SELLAFIELD WASTE MOVEThe German government has announced the resumption of shipments of spent nuclear fuel to the Sellafield reprocessing plant in Cumbria, just days after a parallel move was announced by the Netherlands government. The German government possibly believes that its decision to 'hide under the skirts' of the Dutch may deflect media attention. However, the Celtic League have registered protests with the German Embassies in Dublin and London. They have asked the respective Ambassadors to advise their governments of the concern felt by communities which live near the plant about such shipments. Germany suspended shipments two years ago (1998) and at that time there was strong opposition from its own citizens about the contracts. Also in 1998 the Celtic League protested to the British government, and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), about the transports, alleging that the vessels used were unsuitable. It is thought that on this occasion BNFL will use its own purpose-built sea transports which have enhanced safety features. However, globally, governments are not reassured about the safety of sea transportation. Last week a sea shipment from Europe to Japan, via the South Atlantic, was forced out of a two hundred mile exclusion zone by the Argentine Navy. The Celtic league has pointed out to the German authorities that an objective study of sea transportation by nuclear consultants, Large and Associates, concluded that risks were "unacceptably high". Bernard Moffatt (Text of correspondence to German Embassies - Dublin & London - below) The Ambassador Dear Mr. Ambassador, I understand that shipments of spent nuclear fuel from Germany to the British Nuclear Fuel facility at Sellafield are to be resumed. Your government has previously been made aware of the strong opposition to the operation of this plant by community and environmental groups around the Irish sea. Your government will also be aware of the long standing opposition of both the Irish and Manx governments to the operation of the plant and their repeated requests to the United Kingdom to close the facility. Your countries actions therefore not only display a contempt for the concerns of ordinary citizens in the communities around the Irish sea but also show a blatant disregard for the stated position of the two governments It has not escaped us that the decision by the German authorities comes just days after a similar decision by the government of the Netherlands. The Sellafield plant has an appalling operational record. Over the years there have been hundreds of incidents involving plant malfunctions and leakage of radiation. The plant was the subject of a major scandal only months ago when safety standards were found to have been breached and in the last two weeks a fire occurred within the complex. In addition to the risks posed at the plant itself there is the added danger to the marine environment of the Irish sea posed by the sea transportation of your countries nuclear waste. A report, prepared by the nuclear safety consultants Large & Associates in 1990, concluded that despite the construction of purpose-built nuclear transports the risk posed by sea transportation were unacceptably high. Your decision to continue trading with BNFL despite its dreadful record is extremely disturbing. I trust our concerns will be conveyed to your government? Yours sincerely J B Moffatt
MAN BLINDED BY CS WINS DAMAGESJust weeks after the Isle of Man police deployed CS Spray Merseyside Police have been criticised for the use of the chemical agent device after a man temporarily blinded by the spray was awarded £25,000 in damages. Wayne Fudge, 30, of Halewood, sued the force for assault, wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. A Liverpool County Court jury found in in his favour and damages were agreed. The case is a salutary warning to those in police forces throughout the British Isles that serious costs will be incurred if the weapon is used inappropriately. Earlier this month the Celtic League wrote to British Home Secretary, Jack Straw, asking him to make public the results of critical analysis of the device carried out by the Chemical and Biological Research Establishment at Porton Down. Manx Police assured the public that, when used correctly, the chemical agent causes no long-term harm. It seems that Liverpool Crown Court accept that in some cases the chemical agent can cause substantial harm. Bernard Moffatt
IS 'ARROGANT' REID A GOOD CHOICE FOR ULSTER?It took one of John Reid's own country men to sum him up perfectly when in the cause of an exchange over the innocuous issue of fishing limits SNP fisheries spokesman Richard Lochhead. Mr. Lockhead said: "John Reid's arrogance is breathtaking and his determination to do as little as possible for Scotland beggars belief". Others have experienced the Reid arrogance including those in Ulster. Reid's concern over the Scots Guards who killed Belfastman Peter McBride meant an early meeting, in his capacity as Armed Forces Minister, with campaigners for the two murders. His door was not so open however when the relatives of Mr. McBride sought a meeting. Reid's obdurate "stonewalling", again as Armed Forces Minister, was also to the fore as questions started to be raised about the "accident" in which 24 key members of the Ulster security community died on a Kintyre hillside when a defective RAF Chinook helicopter crashed. Again he dutifully towed the official line despite mounting evidence of MOD ineptitude and cover-up. Behind the false modesty of the statements of Reid at his press conference in Ulster today (new boy anxious to learn) lies a cold character described in the media speak which swirls around London as a Blair loyalist. One of the few shrewd characters of the prime Ministers inner circle. In truth however an analysis of Reid's record indicates his first loyalty is to John Reid. In his home country Reid & his family have not been clear of controversy but he is a great survivor. However, he epitomises to many Scottish nationalist that curious phenomena the Celtic 'Uncle Tom' looking not towards Edinburgh but towards London. Few Scottish nationalists will miss him, whilst those in Ulster will have to get used to the arrogance - once Reid's learning curve is complete! Bernard Moffatt 25/01/01
MANX LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENTSA number of Manx language groups have banded together to actively promote the preparation of a modem language teaching programme. Yn Chesaght Ghailckagh (the Manx Language Society), Mooinjer Veggey, the preschool education group, and the Manx Heritage Foundation are to promote a modern teaching programme. The three groups are to make funds available for both teachers and learners of Manx Gaelic. A course officer has been appointed and the intention is that the Manx language should be taught in the same way as other modem languages. This is the most recent of a series of initiatives being progressed this year to promote Manx Gaelic. In the autumn a Manx Medium Unit is to be established to offer education to primary and secondary school children. This will complement the language programme already under-way in Island schools. Bernard Moffatt 26/01/01
WILD LIFE AREA SAVEDLeague call for National strategy to protect the Ayres and extend the area of land in MNH ownership A proposal to construct a long wave radio transmitter in an ecologically sensitive area on the north west of the Isle of Man has been rejected by the Manx government following a planning enquiry. The Celtic League had opposed the decision to site the transmitter in the area and supported the fight by the tiny local authority, Bride Commissioners, against the plan. The League raised a number of concerns in November 1999 (see Celtic League newsgroup) and subsequently alerted the Irish government to suggested problems that the proposed frequency of the transmitter might pose to maritime radio signals. Campaigning groups have welcomed the decision to reject the plan and are understandably pleased that the area is secured. However, ongoing government land-fill in the area and also aggregate working continue to pose a concern. The transmitter controversy has highlighted the need for a National strategy to protect the Ayres and also a critical requirement to extend the area presently administered by Manx National Heritage (MNH). Unfortunately, as emotions ran high during the course of the controversy the radio station developers were cast as the villains. In reality however it is the failure of government to protect the Ayres and abrogate its responsibilities that led to the Islands smallest local authority having to fight the development. Now government should take the initiative to ensure the area is protected in the future Bernard Moffatt 26/01/01
'WELSH' LABOUR PLAN MAY BACKFIREBefore Welsh Labour kick-off their campaign against Plaid Cymru it might like to consider John Reid's faux pas when he 'wrapped himself' in the Union Jack. There is an element of deja vu about reports that Labour in Wales is to seize upon remarks made by Plaid Cymru Councillor, Simon Glyn, when he called for strict controls on immigration into the North Wales area The councillor had said that English people moving to Wales should be strictly monitored and made to learn Welsh. He also said that the mainly retired people moving from England to Wales were "a drain on resources". Labour are hoping to highlight the remarks as illustrative of widespread nationalist xenophobia and indeed they seem at the time to have caused some embarrassment to the Plaid hierarchy. However, Glyn's remarks, if taken in context are perfectly valid. The area concerned in North Wales and Anglesey is unique and the main repository for the language and culture of the country. Surely 'Welsh' Labour would accept that? In any case these attempts by Labour politicians to misrepresent the nationalist position can often backfire. Eighteen months ago, in Scotland, MSP Andrew Wilson referred to the Union flag as an 'offensive symbol'. Labour politicians proceeded to 'wrap themselves in the flag'. No one was more outspoken than recently promoted Ulster Secretary John Reid then occupying the position of Scottish Secretary. Not content with attacking Wilson for his remarks Reid evoked the memory of 'generations of dead serviceman' who had 'fought under it'. However, some saw Reid's 'principled stand' as somewhat hypocritical given this was the same John Reid who was happy, whilst a junior minister at the MOD, to perpetuate the smear against two dead RAF aircrew during controversy surrounding the Kintyre Chinook helicopter crash in 1994. In the face of mounting evidence that the pilots were not guilty of crew error, but were flying a defective helicopter, both Reid and his boss George Robertson choose to continue the cover-up initiated by the Conservative government. Before Welsh Labour kick-off their campaign against Plaid Cymru it might like to consider Reid's faux pas and ensure that their campaign is not recognised for what it is; opportunistic rhetoric aimed at confusing the real issues on which an election should be fought. Bernard Moffatt 26/01/01
WRITING ON THE WALL FOR TROUBLED NUCLEAR PLANTThe news that the troubled nuclear plant at Wylfa, on Anglesey, may have to close permanently is welcomed by the Celtic League. The League, along with other groups and the Irish government, have long called for the suspension of operations at the plant and for its decommissioning. The nuclear plant is presently closed down, following reactor fuel core problems, in what has become the longest of many such closures. British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) was hoping that Wylfa nuclear power station, could start to use a new super fuel, magrox, which would keep the station open for longer. However, yesterday, BNFL announced that the new fuel is no longer thought to be suitable and the station now looks set to close earlier than the projected 2021 date anticipated. BNFL are putting a brave face on things. Spokesman Colin Bennett said the plant should be reopened using its present fuel source within the next few months but unless a substitute fuel can be found it will be decommissioned by 2009. BNFL also have to satisfy British nuclear safety regulators (The Nuclear Installations Inspectorate - NII) that the plant would be safe before it could be re-opened and continue its current operations. However, as we revealed in August of last year, it has had a chequered safety record with unplanned shutdowns on 30 occasions over the past decade. It has also been subject to a number of fines for safety breaches. The most serious in 1994 resulted in a £250,000 fine plus coasts after a refuelling grab fell into reactor fuel channel. Given these facts any decision by the NII to re-licence would be highly irresponsible. Built in 1972 the Magnox station had a planned life of twenty years and passed its sell-by date several years ago. It has posed a threat to communities around the Irish sea for too long. Bernard Moffatt 26/01/01
BRITISH ARMY PRESSED ON LAND POLLUTIONThe bases in South Armagh are more than a noisy oppressive irritant to the predominantly nationalist community; they are a potential source of horrendous pollution. British Army reports accept that even small quantities of some of the POL products they use have the capacity to pollute and render undrinkable several million cubic metres of water. Yet these bases, which have been literally thrown up without proper services (in many instances the location makes this impractical), and which in some instances have continued to grow, have stores of all the products (fuel oil, lubricant, de-icing fluid, degreasant etc.) that pose the most risk. They are in effect an environmental time-bomb and the situation is made worse by the fact that the military do not seem to have been monitoring for possible pollution. Four years ago the Celtic League highlighted that the environmental standards within the military fell short of what is acceptable. In 1996 Michael Portillo indicated that Land Quality Assessments (see below) would be carried out at 600 locations across the UK but so We have again written to the MOD asking that LQA's should be made available in an affordable form to the public. We have concerns about a number of military locations in Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and N. Ireland. In respect of the latter we have specifically asked if Environmental impact assessments have been carried out on the temporary bases in border areas like South Armagh. Bernard Moffatt 27/01/01
CRIMINALS WELCOME TO SERVE IN NATO - ROBERTSONThe Secretary General of NATO has responded to Celtic League concerns about the service with NATO of convicted murders Mark Wright and James Fisher. The two men were convicted in 1992 of the murder of Belfast man Peter McBride. The League had asked "why NATO apparently has no Code of Practice or Standards that precludes convicted murders serving in its armed forces" and "also advise which NATO countries allow those convicted of serious crimes such as murder to serve in their armed forces". Astonishingly, the Secretary Generals Office has written back indicating that NATO has no ethical code which covers the situation. They say "each of the 19 NATO member States retain the final and full sovereign authority with respect to the composition of their armed forces". The League has expressed its outrage at the situation pointing that in effect this means that "if States choose to deploy murderers, rapists thieves etc. as part of their NATO commitment then the organisation would not have a view on this". The League have also asked for a specific response to our query asking which countries other than the UK deploy convicted murderers as part of their NATO contribution. Bernard Moffatt 30/01/01 (text of response to NATO Secretary Generals Office) Mr. Desmond Bowen Dear Mr. Bowen, Thank you for your letter in response to our query to the Secretary General about the deployment to NATO, by the British Army, of two convicted murderers. With out wishing to sound offensive we believe that your response sets out to evade what is a very reasonable and sensible query, from our group, about an important issue. We did not address a question to you about the individual sovereignty of contributing states. We asked if NATO had a Code or Standard that precludes such deployment. On the basis of your reply it would seem that there is no ethical foundation underpinning the contribution by States of individuals to NATO forces. If this is true we find it astonishing. Are you seriously asking us to believe that if States choose to deploy murderers, rapists thieves etc. as part of their NATO commitment then the organisation would not have a view on this? I also asked specifically which countries include convicted murders as part of their contingents to NATO. Again this is a question that the Secretary Generals Office should be able to answer and I would respectfully request a response. I hope you will give further consideration to our queries and respond in good faith. NATO does itself a disservice by evading the ethical issues raised to this issue. Yours sincerely 30/01/01
GENERAL OPPOSITION TO INCINERATION GROWSA public debate over the past six months, in Ireland, has seen opinion swing against the negative effects of mass burn incineration. We ask why do governments, both there and in the Isle of Man, seem intent in railroading through policies which threaten public health. The depth of emotion and opposition to the construction of an incinerator in the Isle of Man is being mirrored In Ireland. Last Thursday, at Duleek in Co. Meath, 600 people crammed a tiny village hall to set out clearly their opposition to incineration as a means of resolving waste management problems. This is just the latest in a series of concerns expressed in Ireland. Last summer the local authorities in the west of Ireland, at Galway, rejected a proposed plan to site an incinerator there. However, just as in the Isle of Man the feelings of local communities are being trampled on and the Irish government, via its environment Minister, is threatening to set aside the concerns of local people. The Irish government is being accused of attempting to subvert local democracy and railroad through its plans. Ironically the same charge could be levelled at the Manx government - deja vu indeed!. It is clear that the debate about the merits or otherwise of incineration is becoming not simply a local but rather a regional issue. Opposition is growing across Europe to the technology associated with mass burn as a strategy for waste management. Ironically, it seems the Isle of Man will have its incinerator up and running before possible negative side effects Bernard Moffatt 30/01/01
CONFLICTING MESSAGE IN MANX POLICE REPORTA new report on public perception and staff satisfaction within the Isle of Man Police has been launched with so much 'spin' it is difficult to work out where the spin stops and the substance begins. From detailed press information we have seen, released early for good effect but embargoed by police, a fairly mixed picture emerges. Public satisfaction appears to be on the increase standing at an incredible 90% (in one area 100%) However, there could be a fairly straightforward explanation for this. Repeated police initiatives on crime may have heightened concerns which when not realised create a feeling of security. Another possible explanation is the admitted low return 40% of the random sample of 1000 people. In the area of Staff satisfaction a much more bleak picture emerges with evidence of discontent, alluded to in parts of the media recently, clearly revealed. A higher (60%) response rate is probably more indicative of accuracy. However, it is strange that on a staff sampling issue of this type 40% should opt out. It is commendable of the Manx Force to publish the two conflicting sides of the coin. However that in itself creates a conundrum. If public perceptions are so high at a time when staff satisfaction is low the conflict is difficult to reconcile. Maybe analysis of the overall report will provide a clearer picture, Disappointingly, despite the fact that the reports findings were well trailed in the media, attempts to obtain copies at the Tynwald Library drew a blank. Enquiries at the Department of Home Affairs also proved negative, although a copy has been promised direct from the CPHQ. Bernard Moffatt 31/01/01
HOMBOLDT - MANX IN POSITIVE GESTUREMore support for fight to retain Celtic Studies at Berlin University The Celtic League understand that the Manx government, via the Department of Education, have confirmed, in principle, support for the project to maintain the Chair of Celtic (Celtic Studies Department) at Humboldt University, Berlin. We also understand that support, on a proportionate basis, will be made for a ten year period. Although no figures have been confirmed. The Manx decision follows an earlier commitment from the Irish government which initially specifies support over a four year period but is subject to extension for the ten year term. Support is also being sought by the University from other Celtic countries including Wales and Scotland. However, the significance of the Manx commitment coming ahead of any firm decision from the larger Celtic countries is impressive. A full prospectus of work in respect of each Celtic country has been formulated and for the first time the Manx language and culture would be a distinct part of the University programme. The Celtic League have campaigned for some years against proposals to discontinue the Celtic Department at the University, which has been at the forefront for over a century of Celtic studies. A breakthrough came last year when the closure was put on hold. At the time it was hoped that the funding commitment by Ireland would be matched by the other Celtic countries. The Manx support makes it more likely that other those countries will now firm-up their intentions. A wide range of political leaders in all the Celtic countries have supported the project. Bernard Moffatt 31/01/01
LEAGUE CAST NET "ACROSS THE POND"Over the past two decade the Celtic League has worked with a wide range of community groups and local authorities. We have supported environmental campaigns and protests against military activity in Wales, Scotland, Cornwall and Ireland. Last year we endorsed and assisted Bride Commissioners on the Isle of Man in their fight to oppose the siting of a LW commercial radio transmitter on the Ayres. Most recently however our assistance to local groups has taken on a transatlantic dimension. Bogue Field is a US Marine Corps facility in North Carolina used for takeoffs and landings and part of the largest East Coast US Marine Coast Air base complex at Cherry Point. Residents groups have been concerned about the high incidence of accidents with Marine Corps AV-8 aircraft, better known in this part of the world as the Harrier jump jet, which use the complex. Last year AV-8s, exclusively operated in the US by the Marine Corps, were grounded. Although now they are once again cleared for operations residents remain concerned. The Harrier was one of the aircraft we highlighted in our report some years ago into Post Crash Management Techniques. We exposed the extreme toxic danger posed by the type in crash/fire situations because of the high incidence of carbon fibre material in its construction. We recently supplied a copy of our report to the residents in the area and these concerns were cited in recent discussions. The Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) is a joint project set up by the military and civil groups in the area as a cooperative effort to manage both environmental impact and other factors pertaining to the military operations. At a recent meeting (30/1/1) of the JLUS a residents group presented a draft resolution calling for a moratorium on AV-8 (Harrier) operation. It was eventually agreed to adjourn the resolution but, from reports to the Celtic League, the residents concerns are being taken seriously by the USMC. The example of the US military authorities should be emulated by the British military who seem deaf to the concerns of community groups in Wales and Scotland about low-flying. In addition the Ministry of Defence should come clean about the dangers posed when aircraft such as the Harrier (and others) are involved in crash fire situations. Toxic pollution from such incidents should not simply be an issue that the US military have woken up to. Bernard Moffatt 31/01/01
LUDLOW MURDER - PROPOSALS SOONThe Department of Justice, in Dublin, has said that the Minister for Justice John O'Donoghue, TD "hopes to put proposals to...the Irish Government as soon as possible" to end the impasse over an enquiry into the murder of Séamus Ludlow. The Celtic League had added its voice to calls for an independent enquiry into the murder of the Co. Louth forestry worker in 1976. Mr. Ludlow was killed in an apparently sectarian attack by a Loyalist paramilitary gang. Controversy has surrounded to brutal killing for many years and there is believed to have been knowledge of or complicity in the killing by the British Security Services. Following requests from the Ludlow family, the Celtic League wrote to the Irish Premier, Bertie Ahern, backing calls for a public enquiry in line with their wishes. Parallel correspondence to the Northern Secretary querying the extent of British Security Services collusion prompted an It is hoped that the Irish government will move soon to resolve the inertia around the case. Bernard Moffatt 31/01/01
"NOT GUILTY" SAY POLICEDevon & Cornwall Police have denied that 3 Cornishmen arrested last year for removing English Heritage signs were improperly held in custody prior to their case being heard. The three Stannators (members of the Cornish Stannary parliament) had been involved in a programme of direct action which saw a large number of signs removed, in some cases with oxyacetylene gear, from various locations in Cornwall. Devon & Cornwall Police "Area" commander has refuted concerns by the Celtic League about the men's detention and has also said that any suggestion of a political aspect to the case is "irrelevant". However, the League believe that actions such as those carried out by the three are inherently political and therefore the police action against it must have a political dimension. Bernard Moffatt 31/01/01
SECTARIAN ATTACKS - TO LITTLE TO LATE?The announcement that the RUC are to initiate an action plan to address the spate of sectarian attacks on Catholic families and businesses in Coleraine is welcome. However, the question must be posed why is it only now that this action is being taken. Reports on day to day activities in Ulster have tended to focus in the British main-stream press on the difficulty surrounding the peace process. Regular exchanges between nationalist and unionists politicians about RUC reform or decommissioning have dominated headlines. However, behind the headlines a nasty spate of sectarian attacks, most directed against the nationalist community, have proliferated. Violent attacks, petrol bombings, pipe bombs and less direct forms of intimidation have in many instances become a fact of life in some areas. People have been forced from their home. The RUC's eight point plan has been announced to address the problems in Coleraine and yet action in other areas is also needed. Examination of the plan also reveals that many of its provisions should be a feature of everyday police work in any case. If this is the best the force can do it is some distance from becoming a credible guardian to the embattled nationalist community in parts of the North of Ireland. Bernard Moffatt 31/01/01 Below - The RUC Eight Point Plan 1. Request for councillors, clergy, community groups and individuals to express their revulsion at this bigoted activity, which does not represent the main majority of Coleraine residents. 2. To provide a professional and sympathetic response to victims of these attacks. 3. To work closely with the media and keep them abreast of developments. 4. Seek to obtain greater forensic analysis of items recovered from these crime scenes. 5. Police will initiate searches of property. 6. Police will increase the level of stop and search of individuals and vehicles. 7. Appeals for more information from the public, including those in the plumbing trade. 8. Police and military operations including covert operations will be increased. Those who carry out these attacks often look out for patrol vehicles. The covert operations will counter this tactic
DEVELOPMENTS FOR MANX PRESCHOOL MOVEMENTMooinjer Veggey the Manx Gaelic preschool education movement has released the following about new developments. Celtic League newsgroup subscribers active in the language movements please circulate this information in your own countries. Bernard Moffatt 31/01/01
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