CAATnews 75% OF ARMS DEALS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITHOUT OUR HELP

Issue 193 11 Goodwin Street, London N4 3HQ Dec 2005/Jan 2006 Tel: 020 7281 0297 Fax: 020 7281 4369 £1.00 Email: [email protected] Website: www.caat.org.uk CAATnews IN THIS ISSUE... Editor Melanie Jarman [email protected] Legal Consultant Glen Reynolds Proofreader Rachel Vaughan Design Richie Andrew Contributors Bristol CAAT, Kathryn Busby, Beccie D’Cunha, Ann Feltham, Nicholas Gilby, Anna Jones, Mike Lewis, James O’Nions, Ian Prichard, South Essex CAAT. Thank you also to our dedicated team of CAATnews stuffers. Printed by Russell Press on 100% recycled paper using only post consumer de-inked waste. Copy deadline for the next issue is 12 January 2006. We shall be posting it the week beginning 26 January 2006. Content of most website references are also available in print – contact CAAT National Gathering – see page 6 PATRICK DELANEY the CAAT office. Contributors to CAATnews express Countdown to DESO 3 their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of CAAT as an organisation. Contributors retain Arms Trade Shorts 4–5 copyright of all work used. CAAT was set up in 1974 and is a broad coalition of groups and News and updates 6 individuals working for the reduction and ultimate abolition of the Local campaign news and views 7 international arms trade, together with progressive demilitarisation within arms-producing countries. Cover story: DESO 8–9 Campaign Against Arms Trade 11 Goodwin Street, London N4 3HQ Feature: Arms trade treaty 10 tel: 020 7281 0297 fax: 020 7281 4369 email: [email protected] Reed campaign 11 web: www.caat.org.uk If you use Charities Aid Foundation cheques and would like to help TREAT Parliamentary 12 (Trust for Research and Education on Arms Trade), please send CAF Clean investment campaign 13 cheques, payable to TREAT, to the office. Unlike CAAT, TREAT is a registered charity (No.328694) and Fundraising 14 will be able to use your donation for education and research. Get active! 15 CAATnews is part of INK, the Independent News Collective – www.ink.uk.com Campaigns diary 16 To receive this issue of CAATnews in large print please call 020 7281 0297

COVER: RICHIE ANDREW 2 DEC 2005/JAN 2006 CAATnews NEWS Close DESO – campaign countdown

Key diary dates in 2006

We’ll be announcing events around the Close DESO campaign throughout the year. Some upcoming key dates are below. Details on these will be available nearer the time.

23 January CAAT protesting outside the BAE Systems AGM in May PATRICK DELANEY Close DESO campaign launch – if you’re in London, come and help 23 January 2006 will see the launch exporting weapons to the war zones launch the campaign on the of phase 2 of CAAT’s Call the Shots and oppressors that are central to national stage. campaign, which calls for DESO, the DESO’s ‘target markets’ is Government’s arms sales unit, to be scandalous. March shut down. The campaign to close DESO is DESO’s annual conference DESO – the Defence Export also a fitting continuation of our Services Organisation – lies at the campaign to lock the revolving door. 4 May – BAE Systems AGM heart of government-arms industry Heads of DESO are themselves Free campaign resources, collusion. For four decades DESO ‘revolvers’, seconded from arms including a briefing, action guide has been a central component of the companies straight into the heart of and campaign postcards, will be extraordinary economic resources government, often with their civil available to order from January. and political support provided by the servants’ salaries topped up directly Please contact Patrick in the office Government for the arms trade. It is by the arms industry. Through such ([email protected]). the arms companies’ very own special relationships, arms Ministry of Defence department, companies not only enjoy unique within which government and government support, but have sought asking other organisations to sign a industry have worked hand-in-hand to influence government policy, and statement calling for DESO’s closure, to broker arms sales to areas of even its foreign relations. to be published as the campaign is conflict, repressive regimes and Despite its centrality to some of launched in January. We need you impoverished regions of the world. the worst abuses of the UK arms and other local campaigners to ask DESO itself claims that 75 per cent trade, DESO has maintained a potentially sympathetic groups in of the UK’s arms sales would not remarkably low public profile. Many your area to sign up. We also aim to have taken place without its work. people have never even heard of it. gain wide media coverage of the Close DESO, and we hit a major In 2006 we hope to change this, and campaign, both nationally and part of the UK’s weapons trade. we need your help! CAAT’s opinion locally. Pages 8 and 9 reveal the reality of poll last December found that 50.8 Finally, we will be applying DESO’s work in more detail. per cent of those surveyed oppose pressure directly on Tony Blair. Part of 2006 marks DESO’s 40th the use of DESO’s 600 civil servants this will be a postcard campaign anniversary, and CAAT and other to promote arms exports, while only targeting both the Prime Minister organisations will be pressing the 15.8 per cent said they support this. himself – who alone has the power Government and the public to realise We believe that if we can tell more to close DESO – and the Treasury, that DESO’s time is up. The people about DESO, they will want to which forks out millions of pounds taxpayers’ subsidy that DESO see it closed. every year to fund DESO. represents for the arms industry Our next step will be to create a BECCIE D’CUNHA alone is reason to close it. And groundswell of support for closing dedicating political resources to DESO. As part of this we have begun

CAATnews DEC 2005/JAN 2006 3 ARMS TRADE SHORTS

Revolving door Pakistan deal Spanish planes postponed after to Venezuela put UK envoy to Brunei is on BAE Systems’ payroll quake on hold by US

Charles Powell, who is on the Pakistan has put off buying a fleet of A deal by Spanish aircraft-maker payroll of BAE Systems, has been F-16 fighter planes from the US in EADS CASA to sell ten transport appointed as the Prime Minister’s order to prioritise emergency aid for planes to Venezuela has been put on special envoy to Brunei. The earthquake survivors. The hold while the US State Department appointment comes despite the announcement came after the scrutinises the company’s fact that Powell’s industry country’s leader General Pervez applications for export licences. The paymaster is currently in dispute Musharraf was criticised for refusing planes contain US-manufactured with Brunei over the purchase of to cut military spending in the wake parts sold to EADS CASA on the basis three warships (see CAATnews of the disaster. that they may not be sold to foreign 190). The sultan of Brunei ordered The deal, which Washington had companies and countries unless the three ships but is now refusing to originally blocked in the 1990s in US State Department grants make the final payments to BAE protest at Pakistan’s nuclear plans, approval. Systems and refusing to take was given the go-ahead in March The hold-up comes amidst delivery of the ships. The UK (see CAATnews 190). GUARDIAN, 5/11/05 increasing tension between Venezuela taxpayer may have to pay more and the US, with Venezuela using its than £20m for any outstanding India suspends oil wealth to challenge the US default on the deal. Powell denied doctrine of neo-liberalism. a conflict of interest and said he Denel deals Venezuela’s President Chavez has had already been acting in the also threatened to give F-16 aircraft role for three to four years. India has cancelled a rifle deal with bought from the US to Cuba or GUARDIAN, 8/10/05 South Africa’s Denel Land Systems China, saying that the US has failed and suspended other Denel deals to fulfil its maintenance Former Permanent after the arms company was placed commitments. Concerned over Secretary at Cabinet under investigation for unfair upsetting relations with Washington, Office to advise SBAC commercial practices in securing the Israel has already frozen its contract rifle contract. to upgrade the F-16s. After retiring from the civil service Denel officials claim not to have DEFENSE NEWS, 29/10/05; DAILY TELEGRAPH, 3/11/05 in April this year, Sir David transgressed any laws, nor to have Omand is to take up a two-year breached provisions of its contract. In post as strategy advisor to SBAC, private, Denel officials claim that the Explosives the trade association representing company has become a victim of suppliers to civil and military political manoeuvring after India’s manufacturing aerospace markets. 2004 elections. Omand is a former Permanent JANES DEFENCE WEEKLY, 12/10/05 shifts overseas Secretary at the Cabinet Office. He also spent seven years on the UK’s Swan Hunter BAE Systems’ decision to close Joint Intelligence Committee. manufacturing facilities in Bridgwater SBAC, 26/9/05 investigation? and Chorley means that explosives needed for bullets, shells and missiles The National Audit Office may used by the UK’s armed forces will Saudis deny launch an investigation into the cost no longer be made in the UK. of a contract to build two naval ships Manufacturing of the unique charges reports of at the Swan Hunter shipyard on used in the UK’s nuclear missiles will Tyneside. The shipyard is close to the also shift overseas. Typhoon talks constituency of the Prime Minister An article in the Telegraph and some senior Labour politicians. speculated that the explosives may While Saudi defence officials have Questions have been raised over the now be made in France, implying admitted holding talks with several costs, which are double the original that UK forces may not be able to companies over the purchase of a estimate. Concern focuses on £87m operate without French government new fighter plane, they have denied that was paid to the shipyard last approval. The union Prospect, which press reports that the Saudi year by the Ministry of Defence. has many members working in the government has been secretly Defence industry sources described threatened plants, warned that the negotiating with the UK to buy the the payment as “a bung disguised as UK would be left “dangerously Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. a contract for extra work”. dependent on foreign suppliers”. DEFENSE NEWS, 10/10/05 DAILY TELEGRAPH, 7/11/05; EXPRESS ON SUNDAY, 16/10/05 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, 6/11/05

4 DEC 2005/JAN 2006 CAATnews DEVELOPMENTS IN THE GLOBAL ARMS TRADE

Advert stokes Shorts in brief concern that war is against Islam US buys Israeli bullets The US Army has fired so many Boeing and Bell Helicopter have bullets in Iraq and Afghanistan that apologised for a magazine advert US ammunition-makers cannot showing US Special Force troops keep up with demand and supplies descending from an Osprey aircraft are being imported from Israel. onto the roof of a mosque alongside INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY, 22/9/05 the slogan “It descends from the heavens. Ironically it unleashes hell.” Possible $2bn US military The two companies agreed that deal with Saudis the ad was offensive and blamed people at Bell who “didn’t have The US Pentagon has notified authority to approve it”. Congress of military sales to Saudi The Council on American-Islamic Arabia that could be worth more Relations said that the advert may than $2bn. The proposed sales deepen concern that the war is a war The Boeing/Bell Helicopter include armoured personnel on Islam. SEATTLE TIMES, 1/10/05 Osprey advert (see left) carriers, command vehicles, water cannons, ammunition and assault rifles for the Saudi National Guard Iraq Spicy liaisons and fighter aircraft systems. AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE, 5/10/05 Surveillance planes The Foreign and Commonwealth grounded Office met with notorious mercenary Increase in arms to Tim Spicer at least nine times last Somalia despite embargo Three-quarters of surveillance planes year, according to information bought by Iraq last year are sitting unearthed by Andrew Mackinlay MP. According to a UN Security unused at Basra airfield. The planes’ Spicer came to notoriety in 1998 Council-appointed panel, the arms manufacturer, Jordan Aerospace when his company Sandline flow to Somalia has increased Industries, denied that the grounding International sold arms to Sierra dramatically over the last eight had anything to do with performance Leone in breach of a UN embargo. months, despite the UN embargo. and blamed disputes between the US Spicer’s 2004 liaisons with the The panel reported a 378 per cent Army and their contracting office. FCO included a meeting about the increase on the previous year in DEFENSE NEWS, 3/10/05 planned coup in Equatorial Guinea; weapons exchanges and said that a meeting with the UK ambassador both Somalia’s transitional Arrest warrants over in Oman; and meetings with the UK government and opposition missing arms cash ambassador in Baghdad, which warlords are gearing up for a included discussions about security military showdown. REUTERS, 7/10/05 Arrest warrants have been issued work in Iraq by Spicer’s company against ministers and former defence Aegis Defence Services. Spicer’s Iraq Israel promotes Lockheed officials from the US-backed contract was extended for a second Martin planes to Romania government of former Iraqi prime year, despite criticism about vetting and to India minister Ayad Allawi over missing procedures by the Office of the military funds of approximately $1bn Special Inspector General for Iraq Israel has almost completed a deal (see CAATnews 192). Reconstruction. to supply recent NATO entrant One of those facing charges is Meanwhile, Spicer’s company Romania with 24 of its Lockheed Ziad Cattan, former chief of Aegis Defence Services has acquired Martin F-16 fighter planes. The procurement for the Defence Ministry. a rival in the international private fighters are being upgraded to Cattan blames pressure from US and security industry and appointed a include new weaponry from Iraqi officials to arm the Iraqi forces number of high profile non-executive companies including Israel Military as quickly as possible. “Before, I sold directors, including a former chief of Industries. water, flowers, shoes, cars – but not the UK defence staff. The Financial Israel is also supporting weapons,” said Cattan, who signed Times suggested that such moves Lockheed Martin’s promotion of the most of the 89 military contracts offer increased legitimacy to an F-16 plane to the Indian air force. worth nearly $1.3 billion to equip industry trying to shift its public FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL, 1–7 NOVEMBER 2005 Iraqi security forces. “We didn't know image of being “guns for hire”. anything about weapons.” PRIVATE EYE, 14/10/05; FINANCIAL TIMES, 4/11/05 GUARDIAN, 11/10/05; LOS ANGELES TIMES, 6/11/05

CAATnews DEC 2005/JAN 2006 5 OTHER ACTIONS

National Gathering Steering Committee vacancy CAAT’s 2005 National Gathering The final plenary looked ahead to There were three nominations for was an inspiring day of lively and possible issues of the future and we the four places for Supporter constructive discussion and debate. began the process of shaping representatives on CAAT Steering People came from far and wide to CAAT’s campaign plan for Committee – Gillean Patterson, take part in our annual conference, 2007–2009. Lots of ideas for future Sam Perlo-Freeman and Anna which kicked off with a session work were discussed, including Stavrianakis. outlining the next stage of our Call mercenaries, the transatlantic They will serve during 2006 and the Shots campaign. This will focus relationship, finding solutions to 2007 joining Richie Andrew, on shutting the Defence Export armed conflict and the increasing Richard Bass, Dorothy Forbes and Services Organisation (DESO – see power of Europe. As well as bringing Nicholas Gilby for whom 2006 will pages 3, 8 and 9). Then came a together a wonderful mix of people – their second year. variety of workshops – from sessions from life-long peace campaigners to on CAAT’s Clean Investment and many people new to arms trade Play a more active role Arms Fairs campaigns; discussions issues – the day helped to put the The shortage of nominations about the future of arms controls and spotlight on CAAT and our work, and means there is still a place for alternatives to war; as well as provided a chance to review our another Supporter representative. practical sessions on local campaigning and our approach to If you are a supporter and campaigning and media skills. many difficult questions. Thanks to interested in playing a more active all who took part. ANNA JONES role within CAAT then we would love to hear from you. Please contact Ann at the CAAT office on 020 7281 0297 or The CAAT office will be closed from 1pm on Tuesday 20th [email protected] more details. December until 10am on Wednesday 4th January. We The closing date for nominations is wish you all the best for the festive season and for 2006. 15th December.

Freedom to protest campaign

CAAT joined a wide variety of groups protests around Parliament, means – including Gate Gourmet strikers, that from January 1st every offence animal rights protestors, becomes arrestable. This criminalises environmental and community the public and creates an entirely activists – at the first ‘Freedom to different relationship between the Protest’ conference in October. The state and citizens. day provided a much-needed forum Discussions at the conference were to share experiences and promote lively and constructive. The day coordination at a time when our generated increased communication legitimate activities against between groups, which will hopefully oppression are increasingly enable us to challenge future attacks threatened by repressive laws and on our rights. What is clear is that more extensive police powers. the struggle for basic rights and Blair may have suffered his first space in which protest and dissent freedoms is not just one for ‘activists’ defeat by a majority supposedly can legally take place. The wave of – a collective movement needs to be concerned about civil liberties, yet new laws not only effects those who encouraged and we must all keep many of our rights have already are openly criticising power: anti- our eye on the spectre of the police been sold down the river. Often terror laws already subject ethnic state. disguised in legislation appearing to communities to the heavier hand of For more information see address major fears about terrorism the state. Meanwhile, the Serious www.freedomtoprotest.org.uk and violent crime, severe restrictions Organised Crime and Police Act, ANNA JONES have already been imposed on the which criminalises unauthorized

6 DEC 2005/JAN 2006 CAATnews LOCAL CAMPAIGNS Bristol careers fair die-in

Students from Bristol University and the University of West England linked with People & Planet, Amnesty International and Bristol Campaign Against Arms Trade to stage a die-in in October outside the Science, Engineering and IT Careers Fair at Bristol University’s Wills Memorial Building. The die-in was held to protest at the presence of arms companies and the increasing militarisation of science. Carrying banners proclaiming ‘Hands up against the arms trade’, and asking visitors to the fair ‘What do you want to be The die-in at the Bristol University careers fair BRISTOL CAAT remembered for?’, the students ‘died’ bloody and painful deaths to includes details on which Bristol By this logic, a few protestors are symbolise the death and destruction University departments are engaged more of a health hazard than the wrought by the arms trade. in research with, or for, the Ministry companies that make weapons that Meanwhile, inside the fair itself a of Defence and/or the arms industry. kill! number of activists distributed an Activists distributed over 500 guides The action was successful all in all, alternative guide to some of the and had some very interesting with a mix of dialogue and companies that were present. The discussions with students attending confrontation that hopefully will get leafleters engaged in dialogue with the fair. people thinking. students and pointed out some of the There was no hassle, although People can get a copy of the more uncomfortable facts about the activists were asked to leave the hall alternative guide from the Bristol companies they were potentially on the grounds of ‘health and safety CAAT website at going to be working for. The guide reasons’ once they were discovered. www.bristolcaat.org.uk. BRISTOL CAAT

Local campaigns news & views

South Essex CAAT group Essex to tell them about the website that we can link to, or if you existence of the new CAAT group would be happy for your contact South Essex CAAT has just been re- and to ask them to send a letter to details to be on the site. launched with two main focuses. the Financial Strategy Investment If you would like advice on setting The first is a BAE Systems avionics Manager at ECC. up a website for your CAAT group, centre in Basildon. South Essex If you would like to get involved please contact James in the office CAAT wants to alert local people to in South Essex CAAT, please contact ([email protected]). the presence of the centre, so will Irene Willis on 01268 682820. For be leafleting and planning more information on the group’s This is your space demonstrations in the area. campaign for clean investment, The second focus for the group is please contact David Rice on 01376 Please do keep sending in news of CAAT’s Clean Investment campaign, 321036. what you are doing locally or ideas which will involve lobbying Essex you have for local campaigning. It County Council (ECC). The ECC Calling all CAAT groups... is a great way to flag up any events Pension Fund has substantial that you are planning and to share investments in arms companies, We will soon have a page on the ideas with other local campaigners including over a million shares in CAAT website (www.caat.org.uk) for on what works and what doesn’t. BAE Systems. South Essex CAAT has local CAAT groups. So please do Send your news and views to written to all CAAT supporters in get in touch if your group has a [email protected]

CAATnews DEC 2005/JAN 2006 7 COVER STORY ARMS TRADERS IN THE HEART OF GOVERNMENT

James O’Nions explains why DESO should be shut down

It was with no apparent irony that Defence Secretary Denis The arms industry considers DESO important enough to Healy told Parliament in January 1966 “While the club together to supplement Garwood’s senior civil servant Government attach[es] the highest importance to making wage with an undisclosed amount to bring him up to the progress in the field of arms control and disarmament, we earnings of an industry executive. Yet despite the complete must also take what practical steps we can to ensure that privatisation of the arms industry since DESO was set up, this country does not fail to secure its rightful share of this Garwood’s supplement is all that the arms industry pays valuable commercial market.” The comment was part of a towards what is essentially their very own taxpayer-funded speech in which Healy accepted in full the findings of the marketing department. What’s more, no other industry is Stokes report, whose recommendations centred on the subsidised to such an extent. Relative to its share of total establishment of a “small but very high-powered central UK exports (which is less than 2 per cent), DESO receives arms sales organisation”. This was also the beginning of a thirteen times the budget of the government organisation process that saw such an organisation established inside which promotes civil exports, UK Trade and Investment. the Ministry of Defence. Government connections Arms sales unit It isn’t simply the fact that 500 civil servants work to Based on similar developments in the US under Defense promote their arms exports that makes DESO so valuable Secretary Robert McNamara, the unit’s aim was to provide to the industry. In theory, an arms industry trade sales support to UK arms companies, many of which were association like the Defence Manufacturers Association publicly owned at the time, to enable them to sell their could raise and spend DESO’s annual budget of £16 products more effectively in the global market. The million on marketing itself. What they wouldn’t get is the chairman of a military electronics firm, Racal, was unique, and uniquely undemocratic, access to the heart of seconded to head up the Defence Sales Organisation, as government that DESO provides. the unit became known, starting an unbroken tradition of Because DESO is a government body, its resources are arms company executives occupying the post. In 1985 the not limited to the offices that it maintains in 18 countries DSO became the ‘Defence Export Services Organisation’ worldwide. It is able to draw on the support of the military (DESO) but in all other respects remained the same. attachés that are located in around 82 UK embassies. By Today’s Head of Defence Export Services is Alan some estimates, military attachés and their support staff Garwood, previously Chief Operating Officer at missile spend an average of a third of their time on arms sales, manufacturer MBDA. using diplomatic contacts which otherwise would not be

8 DEC 2005/JAN 2006 CAATnews DSEi ARMS FAIR 2005 available. In addition, DESO’s London staff and its head US subsidiaries, is in a good position to supply the have direct access not just to Defence Ministers but Pentagon from inside US territory, but others export from according to former Head of Defence Export Services the UK. In fact, in 2004, the US represented the biggest Charles Masefield, directly to the Prime Minister. export market for UK-manufactured arms, with licences Recent events have highlighted just what benefits arms issued for goods on the military list worth £340 million, companies garner from these links. In October this year, plus open (unvalued) licences constituting much more. the Guardian reported that Tony Blair had visited DESO ‘priority market’ Saudi Arabia to push £40bn worth of Corporate welfare Eurofighter Typhoons on behalf of BAE Systems. With In the forty years since Healy established the DSO, both senior ministers helping DESO in their mission, it is little the UK and the arms trade have changed a lot. In the wonder that the organisation can boast on its website that ‘60s and ‘70s, the DSO operated in a sector that was “successive Customer Satisfaction Surveys of the UK largely owned by the state and geared towards producing defence industry revealed that over 75 per cent of ...[arms equipment for the UK armed forces. It sold second-hand exports] would not have been achieved without the military equipment that was no longer needed by the UK, assistance of DESO ”. and surplus production from equipment manufactured primarily for the UK. Whilst Stokes was keen to see the Key markets industry plan ahead to make its products more attractive DESO’s strategic marketing plans also assist the arms to these secondary customers, this was still a far cry from companies. Whilst the UK remains prepared to sell arms the privately-owned, internationalised arms industry of to just about anyone, DESO does identify priority markets today. each year where it thinks the best opportunities for UK In line with these changes, DESO now seems to support arms sales lie. The most recent available Strategic Market the sale of equipment with only the most tenuous links to Analysis is for 2004 and lists 28 countries as key markets, the UK, such as Swedish Gripen fighters with UK-made ranging from rich countries such as Japan and Italy, to components. Furthermore, in April 2005 the Disposal poorer ones such as Kazakhstan and India. DESO’s Sales Agency, which sells the second-hand equipment, overseas offices are opened and closed periodically as the was moved out of DESO, leaving the organisation even emphasis shifts from one market to another. The more squarely focused on what its mission has evolved to organisation also attends strategically important be: the most barefaced form of corporate welfare. international arms fairs. It spent £1m Of course, there was no more ethical on its presence at 13 of these arms justification for running a government fairs in 2004 (see www.armsfairs.com department with the sole aim of global for more information). Heads of arms proliferation in the 1960s than there is Two of the key markets, though, today. In four decades, DESO has helped stand out from the rest, making up a DESO in the facilitate sales of weapons that were used ‘premier league’. Even before the by human-rights abusing states from possible Eurofighter deal came onto last 20 years General Pinochet’s Chile to Suharto’s the horizon, repressive absolutist Indonesia. It has also presided over arms monarchy Saudi Arabia received so Colin Chandler 1985–89 sales to both sides of a conflict, such as much of DESO’s attention that the Seconded from British during the Iran-Iraq war of 1980–88. work of up to 200 of DESO’s staff Aerospace; went back to Yet as developments in the arms industry focuses on this country alone. The Siemens Plessey, the TI have made the justifications for DESO’s importance of Saudi Arabia dates Group, Racal, Vickers. continued existence increasingly redundant, back to the 1986 Al Yamamah deal, the influence of arms companies over which was negotiated personally by Alan Thomas 1989–94 government policy ensures that the Margaret Thatcher, and was followed Seconded from Raytheon. organisation itself continues to occupy a in 1988 by an even bigger deal that prestigious place in the Ministry of Defence. established an arms-supplying Charles Masefield That influence is maintained by a revolving relationship with Saudi Arabia for the 1994–1998 door between government and industry, forseeable future. It was, and remains, Seconded from Avro and through the multiple advisory bodies that a de facto message of approval to a Airbus (part-owned by BAE arms executives sit on, by corporate regime that Amnesty International says Systems); went back to GEC lobbying, and crucially through the has a “dire human rights situation”. and BAE Systems. existence of DESO itself. The Defence Export The other country in DESO’s Services Organisation stands at the centre premier league is the world’s foremost Tony Edwards 1998–2002 of a pernicious nexus of corporate influence imperialist power, the USA. With its Seconded from TI Group on government, for which we have to pay. global military ‘commitments’, the US Any strategy for ending the misery caused represents the biggest arms market in Alan Garwood by UK arms exports must include closing it the world, a market into which DESO 2002–present down. is clearly keen to get UK companies. Seconded from MBDA (part- BAE Systems, which now has several owned by BAE Systems).

CAATnews DEC 2005/JAN 2006 9 FEATURE A hollow gesture?

Nicholas Gilby assesses the manifestoes. The campaign has killed. They were used by the Government’s support for pushed arms control up the Indonesian Army in Aceh in 2002 an Arms Trade Treaty international agenda for the and 2003, when they committed foreseeable future. massive violations of international The Control Arms campaign for an humanitarian law. Arms Trade Treaty was launched in CAAT’s position • Labour would have stopped the October 2003 by Amnesty CAAT formally supports an ATT. An sale of spares for Hawk jets for International, Oxfam and the international instrument that Zimbabwe, used in the Congo war International Action Network on genuinely stopped arms exports to which caused “millions of deaths”. Small Arms (IANSA), which includes human rights abusers, regions of • Labour would stop promoting CAAT. It calls for an international tension and warmongers the world sales to Pakistan, desperately treaty to make states “exercise the over would be a great step forward. impoverished in parts, yet highest degree of responsibility in To be effective, though, such a treaty committing a quarter of international arms transfers”. must not only prevent the circulation government spending to arms. The campaign uses a set of of Kalashnikov rifles amongst African ‘Global Principles for Arms Transfers’ conflict zones by shady arms Government response in its advocacy activities brokers. It must also address state Yet the responses of UK Government (www.iansa.org/control_arms/docum involvement in the arms trade: the departments to the ATT tell a ents/att-bms-en.pdf). fundamental engine of both the different story. The Foreign and ‘legal’ and the ‘illegal’ trade (indeed, Commonwealth Office has made it What is an Arms Trade Treaty? an estimated 90 per cent of ‘illegal’ clear that, An Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) would be arms transfers begin in ‘legal’ sales). since the UK’s existing regulations a legally binding treaty that would The key question for us is ‘how were the standard to which an ATT prevent transfers which: would an ATT change UK arms would bring other countries, they did • breach international law (e.g. UN exports?’ Jack Straw’s speech in not envisage an ATT altering the embargoes) March was hazy on the treaty’s pattern of UK arms exports at all. • lead to serious violations of desired outcome. He did gesture at Tellingly, when this summer CAAT human rights, international the central aspects of the arms trade met with Alan Garwood, the head of humanitarian law and crimes that underpin CAAT’s advocacy, the MOD’s Defence Export Services against humanity stating that the “tanks of repressive Organisation (DESO), Garwood • are likely to adversely affect regimes account for an enormous professed not to have even heard of regional stability and sustainable amount of avoidable human misery the ATT. And harmonising arms trade development across the world”; noting that in the regulations in this way would in any Additionally the treaty would force Congo “six years of conflict have case suit the domestic arms industry, states to provide annual reports on caused millions of deaths”; and forever complaining about not their arms exports and submit to arguing that “developing countries competing on a “level playing field”. common standards of export control. who spend already over-stretched This perhaps explains why the budgets on armaments for which Defence Manufacturer’s Association On the agenda they have no clear need are bound is amongst the ATT’s official Control Arms has had much success to have too little left for health, supporters. this year. At the UN Biennial Meeting education and vital infrastructure.” For the ATT to have a positive of States on Small Arms in July, 13 impact on the role of the UK and countries agreed to support the Changes other arms trade giants proliferating introduction of an ATT, and in What kind of changes in the UK arms across the globe, the gap October in Luxembourg the 25 EU arms trade, then, are needed to between Straw’s rhetoric and its countries did as well. Currently 42 satisfy Straw’s criteria? political reality needs drastic change. countries are backing an ATT. • To stop the “tanks of repressive NICHOLAS GILBY IS A MEMBER OF CAAT’S STEERING The UK backs it too – Jack Straw regimes” Labour would have COMMITTEE announced his support at 2004’s prevented Britain’s export of Labour Party Conference, and spoke Scorpion tanks and Saracen at greater length at a Saferworld Armoured Personnel Carriers, lecture in March 2005. Labour and used in Jakarta in 1998 during the Liberal Democrats both included the last days of the Suharto support for an ATT in their election dictatorship, when hundreds were

10 DEC 2005/JAN 2006 CAATnews CAMPAIGN UPDATE Reed campaign update

Calling teachers, lawyers, landmines clandestinely offered for makes it impossible to police this academics, doctors... sale in 1999. This September, just distinction. Inside DSEi’s exhibition In September the Lancet, arguably five days after Reed’s company hall this year, land rovers – the world’s most prestigious medical secretary wrote in the Lancet that highlighted as life-saving journal, published a letter organised “compliance checks take place humanitarian vehicles by DSEI’s by CAAT and signed by public before and throughout the spokesperson - were mounted with healthcare professionals from five exhibition”, and that “should any machine guns. Military continents. The letter highlighted the exhibitor be found to be displaying humanitarianism provides moral surprising involvement of the Lancet’s or promoting prohibited items during whitewash for the warships, publisher, publishing giant Reed DSEi, its stand would immediately be unmanned fighting vehicles and Elsevier, in the global arms trade. closed”, one journalist found an weapons demonstrations that, in Reed Elsevier provides vital exhibitor openly (and illegally) fact, headline DSEi’s publicity information services to a raft of promoting torture equipment. material.

“It will be incomprehensible to the Lancet’s readers that our Stop DSEi 2007 owners are engaged in a business that so clearly Arms fairs like DSEi are not undermines not only principles of public-health practice, but promoting peace or saving lives. also the policies of intergovernmental agencies.” They help maximise the profits of The Lancet, 10 September 2005 arms companies at the expense of human life. Following DSEi 2005’s major professions: not just According to the exhibitor itself, “we disastrous publicity, we are now at healthcare professionals but had received permission from the an exciting and critical time in which teachers, lawyers, librarians, organizers who approved all of our stopping DSEi 2007 is a very real academics and social workers, brochures”. So much for “tight possibility. But to make this happen, whose work is in the public interest regulation” and “compliance checks”. we need more of Reed Elsevier’s and underpinned by principles of In any case, as the Lancet pointed consumers to follow the Lancet’s lead democracy, equality and human out, just because certain weapons and call on the company to rights. Yet through its subsidiaries, sales are legal doesn’t mean that disengage itself from the arms trade. Reed Exhibitions and Spearhead they are right. Reed itself recognises Teachers who use Harcourt resources Exhibitions, the company also this principle through its subscription can highlight the arms trade’s effect organises a series of arms fairs to the UN Global Compact – a set of on children across the world. around the world – most recently standards which require companies Lawyers and researchers who use DSEi 2005 in London’s Docklands. “to be fully aware of potential LexisNexis information systems can These ‘defence exhibitions’ are a human rights issues both upstream question Reed Elsevier’s disregard centrepiece of the deadly business of and downstream” of their business. for human rights. Academics and the international arms trade. This undertaking is at odds with professionals using Reed Elsevier’s inviting repressive regimes, from numerous journals and magazines, Illegal exhibits at arms fairs Indonesia to Saudi Arabia, to shop from New Scientist to Community Highlighting the incompatibility of for instruments of oppression and Care, can challenge the company on these twin business spheres, the letter conflict. the ethics of promoting weapons to prompted the Lancet’s editorial developing countries. Union motions, board itself to issue a scathing Dual-use equipment public letters and articles in Reed’s condemnation of its own publisher in Reed Elsevier has also resorted to publications themselves, perhaps the same issue, calling upon Reed arguing that much equipment even boycotts of the company’s Elsevier “to divest itself of all business displayed at DSEi, “such as air products – all can make it clear that interests that threaten human, and ambulances or equipment for fire Reed Elsevier is risking its reputation especially civilian, health and well- control and fire-fighting...are vital and integrity by playing a role in being”. Under fire from its own elements for life-saving activities”. death and destruction around the flagship publication, Reed Elsevier Such equipment can of course save world. responded by insisting that its lives. But even humanitarian Please get in touch if you can help activities are entirely legal. The equipment is often dual-use – and the campaign to stop Reed Elsevier company neglected to mention a thus covered by arms control laws organising arms fairs. For more info: string of legal breaches by exhibitor when sold to military customers like http://www.caat.org.uk/armsfairs/ree companies at DSEi, including those at DSEi. Selling it at arms fairs d.shtml. ANNA JONES AND MIKE LEWIS

CAATnews DEC 2005/JAN 2006 11 PARLIAMENTARY Stop the Saudi arms deal

Nothing better illustrates CAAT’s UK technicians in Saudi Arabia in current Call the Shots campaign on addition to those currently there and the corporate influence over servicing the Tornado planes. These Government than the news that foreign nationals can be terrorist Prime Minister Tony Blair dropped in targets. on Saudi Arabia on 2nd July to show • If you have not already done so, his support for a £40bn deal to sell please contact your MP Eurofighter Typhoon fighter planes immediately – either by email made by BAE Systems. The Guardian which can be found via reported that the deal is opposed by http://www.locata.co.uk/commons the Foreign Office, as well as by the or at the House of Commons, Serious Fraud Office (SFO), which is Westminster, London SW1A 0AA. currently investigating bribes Tony Blair and Prince Abdullah Ask him or her to convey your allegedly paid by BAE Systems to at Riyadh Air Base in July 2005 concern about the proposed deals members of the Saudi Royal Family. ZAINAL ABD HALIM/REUTERS to the Prime Minister: say that you In addition, it appears that King think it is wrong that the Abdullah has already approved a granting three political favours, Government should put BAE £2.8bn deal for BAE Systems to including the deportation of dissident Systems’ interests before those of upgrade 96 Tornado fighters. Saudi refugees in the UK, and the regional security, the human rights Tony Blair is playing a central role dropping of the SFO investigation. of the Saudi people (especially in brokering an arms deal involving Additionally, the Saudi government women), the movement to end one of the world’s most repressive wants British Airways to re-open its corruption, and UK taxpayers, who and politically unstable regimes. The route to Riyadh. could stand to pick up the bill if Saudis are also said to be dictating The Foreign Office is said to be the Saudi government is UK policy by making the deal wary about the deal because it would overthrown. contingent on the UK government involve the presence of thousands of ANN FELTHAM

Business Appointments rules review

David Blunkett’s injudicious failure back again”. With public attention arms companies participate in “a to consult the Business focussed on ministers’ business traffic between the [Ministry of Appointments Committee when interests, CAAT fears that the review Defence] and the contractors which taking up a lucrative directorship will quietly remove existing weak supply it”. Little wonder that they has generated a storm of criticism restrictions on the much larger have been able to rely upon from critics of Labour ‘sleaze’. movement of senior civil servants personal lobbying from Blair and Distracted by Blunkett’s downfall, between Whitehall departments and his defence ministers to pursue the media and the Opposition have related industries. The review’s head recent arms deals with India and entirely ignored a far greater is himself no stranger to this Saudi Arabia, to the detriment of challenge to the accountability of lucrative revolving door, having human rights, conflict resolution public servants’ relationship with the spearheaded bus and rail and poverty reduction. private sector: Labour’s ongoing privatisation as Permanent Secretary Perhaps unsurprisingly given the efforts to widen the revolving door at the Department of Transport, new scrutiny of the Government’s between government and industry, before becoming chairman of the relationship with big business, as by hamstringing the Business new Go Ahead bus and rail CAATnews goes to press, the report Appointment rules themselves. company. has yet to appear despite its In July 2004, Number 10 At stake is not simply the probity publication being already overdue. appointed Sir Patrick Brown to of a single minister, but the political CAAT is calling for the report to be undertake a review of the Business influence wielded by entire business published immediately, and its Appointment rules explicitly sectors – led by the arms trade. findings subjected to full debate. intended, as Blair himself explained, According to the Advisory MIKE LEWIS “to make it easier for civil servants Committee on Business to move into the private sector and Appointments, executives of Britain’s

12 DEC 2005/JAN 2006 CAATnews CAMPAIGN UPDATE The arms trade on campus

With the revelation that nearly half of addresses for financial decision- the UK’s universities invest in the makers, and outlines of sample arms trade, CAAT successfully re- letters to adapt and send. launched its university Clean Investment campaign in October. We Tip of the iceberg? were alarmed to find such massive There remain, however, significant financial links between a trade gaps in our knowledge. The growing fuelling conflict and poverty, and popularity of managed funds has institutions committed to meant that although some internationalism and progress. Our universities have sent lists of the research made regional and national managed funds in which they invest, news, with the Times Higher we have been unable to obtain Educational Supplement breaking the details of the company shares held in story on the day of the launch, these funds - including confirmation picked up by the Times, Guardian of arms trade shares. This is an area Education, and several local papers. where staff and students can make University newspapers – including an impact and reveal more university York, Oxford, Cambridge, Swansea arms trade investments. One student and Manchester – have also featured contacted a fund management prominent pieces on major university company for details and received a arms trade investments. full list of companies in the fund – an Campaigning for clean indication that this information is Success at SOAS investment more likely to be available to those The campaign has already met with who have a link to an institution, and success. Just seven days after CAAT’s an assumed interest in the findings appeared on the front page holding over 3.5 million shares performance of the funds. We of Europe’s largest student between them. These events have welcome any further information in newspaper, the London Student mobilised interest in arms trade this area. (which prompted pressure from investments amongst groups Nor is investing in arms members of the Association of concerned with issues from general companies the only way in which University Teachers), the School of ethical investment to the privatisation university wealth supports the arms Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) of the education system. Local anti- industry. Under government- announced that it would sell all its arms trade campaigns have since sponsored schemes like the ‘Towers arms company shares, and consider been established, and innovative of Excellence’, universities an ethical investment policy. SOAS ideas for university campaigns increasingly collaborate with arms cited CAAT’s disclosures and developed. companies such as BAE Systems and subsequent media attention as their Rolls Royce on programmes that motivation. The decision presents a Freedom of Information develop military technology. Research clear challenge to other educational This year the university campaign and Development money awarded to arms trade investors. It proves, once has been significantly strengthened universities directly benefits military again, that divestment is legally by the Freedom of Information Act, corporations. possible, and that the views of staff enabling access to much more But with the growing awareness and students on ethical issues are information than ever before. From and support of students and staff, becoming harder to ignore. having obtained information on 63 universities will have to take notice. universities, colleges and pension Educational institutions taking Tackling the ‘Ivy League’ funds in previous years, we now responsibility for their actions, and And after just a few weeks, the have details on 183 institutions. divesting from arms exporting campaign is taking off at many Students and staff at almost every companies, will send a powerful universities. CAAT volunteers Jo university across the country can find message about the legitimacy of the Wittams and Tim Street have been information regarding their institution arms trade. speaking at events in Oxford, on the new website For more information on the Cambridge and London at (http://www.caat.org.uk/campaigns/c Clean Investment campaign see universities that are members of the lean-investment/universities/). The www.caat.org.uk or contact the CAAT university arms investor ‘Ivy League’, site includes investment details, email office.

CAATnews DEC 2005/JAN 2006 13 CAAT CASH Fundraising

By Kathryn Busby

I am delighted to report that Steven donations given in honour of CAAT Downey successfully ran the Chicago supporters celebrating birthdays and Marathon on Sunday 9th October, anniversaries. A few months ago, finishing in an impressive 4 hours, one couple raised £240 by asking 22 minutes and 6 seconds. their friends and family to make Congratulations Steve! So far we donations to CAAT instead of buying have received sponsorship donations them gifts for their Golden Wedding of nearly £1,000 from CAATnews Anniversary. This is a wonderful way readers and through Steve’s online of helping CAAT, so if you have a fundraising page but we would love birthday, anniversary or other to push that total even higher. If you Steven Downey celebration coming up, but would haven’t yet had a chance to sponsor like your friends to give you Steve, there is still time to send in first time. Nizim Prezentz Emancipate something a bit different this year, your donation. Please make cheques promises to be a thrilling mixture of then why not use the occasion to payable to CAAT and mark the back live jazz, funk, hip hop, electro, support our campaign? ‘Chicago Marathon’. breaks and breakcore; so if you Finally, I’d like to give a quick This December will see the latest fancy a night of live music, DJs and mention to Robin Yu, who has in an impressive list of club nights dancing, come down to the Brixton accepted the CAAT Skydiving that have taken place in recent years Telegraph, Brixton Hill, London SW2 Challenge and will be leaping from to raise money for CAAT. Organisers and join us. Entry is £5 before 3,000 feet to raise money for CAAT Nizim have been holding events in 11pm, £8 after and you can see the in 2006 . Watch this space to find aid of various causes since 2003, full line-up on www.caat.org.uk out when he will be doing his jump and on Saturday 3rd December This year, we have been lucky and how you can support him. CAAT will be their beneficiary for the enough to receive a number of See you in the New Year. Ian Davison ‘Right-On & Up- Front’ 19-track CD of political songs from the last 20 years

Influenced by world music and Scottish traditions, with themes including the arms trade, war and peace, ecology and human rights.

Available from Ian Davison, 5 Dick Street, Glasgow, G20 6JF £5 (cheques payable to CAAT please) Proceeds to CAAT

14 DEC 2005/JAN 2006 CAATnews GET ACTIVE! Campaign Against Arms Trade thrives on your participation

For more information on all of these contact Contact Anna at [email protected] or Beccie the CAAT office on 020 7281 0297 or if you [email protected] have any enquiries not covered below For media info contact Mike at [email protected] contact [email protected] Research the arms companies Subscribe to a CAAT email list CAAT has produced a range of research on the UK’s main Sign up to receive the monthly CAAT bulletin with the arms companies. However, staff at the CAAT office are not latest news and events; to receive press releases; to join able to track all arms company developments and would the list for the CAAT Action Network and find out about appreciate receiving any information you find. This can nonviolent direct action to stop the arms trade; or to find include anything from watching out for information in your out when the latest CAATnews is on the website. local press, to undertaking basic research in your local Contact [email protected] or visit library, to approaching a company directly for www.caat.org.uk/lists information. Contact Ian at [email protected] Make a donation The donations of our supporters enable CAAT to struggle Protest against the arms trade for a world without arms trading; without your help there A protest can confront the arms trade and illustrate that would be no campaign. Support CAAT by sending us a many people do not think that the arms trade is an cheque, setting up a regular standing order donation, or ordinary, acceptable business. In addition, a protest can by taking part in a fundraising event. generate a lot of publicity, which will raise awareness Contact Kathryn at [email protected] about the company and the arms trade in general. CAAT is a non-violent organisation and any protest organised Contact your MP under the name of CAAT needs to be non-violent (contact It is estimated that every letter written to a politician the office for the CAAT guidelines). represents about 80 people who care but haven’t got Contact Anna at [email protected] around to writing. If you would like to visit or write to your MP, contact the CAAT office to find out if your MP has Join the CAAT Christian Network shown an interest in arms trade issues. The Network raises arms trade issues within national On some issues it is also worth contacting your MEP. If church structures and local churches. you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, you can Contact Beccie at [email protected] also raise issues that have an impact on employment or the economy with your national representatives. Order a CAAT publication Contact Ann at [email protected] CAAT produces briefings, reports and leaflets on a range of issues. Campaign locally Contact Patrick at [email protected] CAAT has a network of local contacts and groups around the UK who take responsibility for promoting anti-arms trade activity and the work of CAAT in their area. Get in contact if you would like to know what is happening in Cartoon from the archives your area or if you are interested in becoming a local contact or setting up a group. All that’s needed is a willingness to raise awareness of arms trade issues in any way that you feel is appropriate. Contact Beccie at [email protected] for info, including the Local Campaigns Pack.

Raise awareness Organising a public meeting, using the local media and running a street stall have proved effective ways for CAAT groups to raise awareness of arms trade issues. CAAT can provide speakers for public meetings, materials for stalls and can also help with publicity.

CAATnews DEC 2005/JAN 2006 15 Subscribe now! Campaigns diary

Subscription is voluntary, but we need your support. We suggest £26 waged, £14 low 3 December income and £35 for groups. Please give more Nizim Presentz Emancipate. Club night in aid if you are able, or less if not. of CAAT – live jazz, funk, hip hop, electro, breaks, breakcore. At the Brixton Telegraph, Name Brixton Hill, London SW2. £5 before 11pm, £8 after. Address 10 December Stop the Arms Trade – Defend the Right to Postcode Protest. Mass demo in Brighton called by local anti-arms trade campaigners and supported Tel by CAAT. Meet Churchill Square in Brighton at 12 noon. See www.smashedo.org.uk Email 10 December I enclose a cheque/postal order for £ International Peace Conference. Organised by Stop the War, 10am–8pm, Royal Horticultural I do not want to receive an acknowledgment Hall, 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PE. With speakers from Iraq, the US and UK. See Please give by www.stopwar.org.uk 23 January 2006 Close DESO campaign launch. See page 3 and standing order pages 8–9 It helps CAAT plan ahead more effectively and costs less to administer, so more money 4 May 2006 goes directly to campaigning. Just £3 a month BAE Systems AGM. CAAT will be protesting at makes a real difference. the Annual General Meeting of the UK's largest arms company. More details nearer Name the time. Bank address 17–23 July 2006 Farnborough International arms fair. More details nearer the time. Postcode Weekly Sort code Acc No Picket of Spearhead. Contact [email protected] Please pay: The Co-operative Bank Plc, 1 Islington High for details. Street, London, N1 9TR (sort code 08 90 33) for the account of CAMPAIGN AGAINST ARMS TRADE (account number 50503544) the sum of Monthly Second Monday of each month until the pounds (£ ) cancellation of all future ExCel Arms Fairs. 7.30pm – East London Against the Arms Fair starting on (dd/mm/yyyy) and monthly/ meeting at the Garden Cafe, 7 Cundy Road, annually thereafter. London E16. Contact East London Against the Arms Trade, c/o CIU, Durning Hall, Earlham Grove, London E7. Signed See www.caat.org.uk for more information on arms trade events Fill in your name and address with the bankers order and return the whole form to CAAT, not your bank. Please make cheques payable to CAAT and send with this form to: CAAT, 11 Goodwin Street, London N4 3HQ Freepost, LON6486, London N4 3BR. CAAT use only. Tel: 020 7281 0297 Please quote ref Fax: 020 7281 4369 If you DO NOT wish to receive CAATnews Email: [email protected] please tick here on all payments Website: www.caat.org.uk !