CAATnews Fuelling the arms race in South Asia

Issue 197 11 Goodwin Street, London N4 3HQ August/September 2006 Tel: 020 7281 0297 Fax: 020 7281 4369 £1.00 Email: [email protected] Website: www.caat.org.uk CAATnews IN THIS ISSUE... Editor James O’Nions [email protected] Legal Consultant Glen Reynolds Proofreader John Moseley Design Richie Andrew Contributors Kathryn Busby, Helen Close, Beccie D'Cunha, Ann Feltham, Symon Hill, Anna Jones, Alun Morinan, Ian Prichard, Mark Thomas, Rob Thorburn. 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 18 September and we shall be posting it the week beginning 2 October. Content of most website references are also available in print – contact Sign of the times. See page 10 PATRICK DELANEY the CAAT office. Contributors to CAATnews express their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of CAAT as an organisation. Contributors retain Shut DESO Day of Action 3 copyright of all work used. CAAT was set up in 1974 and is a Arms Trade Shorts 4-5 broad coalition of groups and individuals working for the reduction and ultimate abolition of the Arms Trade Detectives 6 international arms trade, together with progressive demilitarisation within arms-producing countries. Local Campaigns 7 Campaign Against Arms Trade 11 Goodwin Street, London N4 3HQ Cover story: India and Pakistan 8-9 tel: 020 7281 0297 fax: 020 7281 4369 email: [email protected] Action in Farnborough 10 web: www.caat.org.uk If you use Charities Aid Foundation Mark Thomas writes 11 cheques and would like to help TREAT (Trust for Research and Education on Arms Trade), please send CAF Parliamentary 12 cheques, payable to TREAT, to the office. Unlike CAAT, TREAT is a registered charity (No.328694) and Steering Committee Elections 13 will be able to use your donation for New Media Co-ordinator education and research. CAATnews is part of INK, the Independent News Collective – Fundraising 14 www.ink.uk.com To receive this issue of Get active 15 CAATnews in large print please call 020 7281 0297

PAKISTANI PARAMILITARY TROOPS PATROL A STREET IN 2MULTAN. ASIM TANVEER/REUTERS AUG/SEPT 2006 CAATnews CAMPAIGN UPDATE Shut DESO action day and lobby

The next big events in The CAAT Shut CAAT’s Shut DESO campaign DESO launch in calendar are the Shut DESO March PATRICK DELANEY Action day and the three- month lobby of MPs

On Monday 16th October we will encircle the headquarters of DESO, the department within the Ministry of Defence that is at the heart of the UK Government’s undemocratic and disproportionate support for arms exports. The building is also at the heart of the capital, on one of its busiest thoroughfares. This means our action will attract the attention of hundreds of passers-by as well as, business would not have been MP in person at the Houses of we hope, lots of media coverage, achieved without the assistance of Parliament, encouraging her or him which could reach millions. This is DESO.” That means that if DESO to call for the closure of DESO. one of the reasons why the day is so were shut, arms exports from the UK Alternatively, if you can’t make the important. At the moment, very few could be drastically reduced. action day on the 16th October, you people even know that DESO exists. Shutting DESO will take political can lobby your MP in your This bold action is designed to lift it will and a change in government constituency sometime between 1st out of obscurity and reveal the policy. This sometimes seems like a September and 30th November, as shocking truth about what it really far-off possibility. However, the part of our three-month lobby of does. Liberal Democrats have already MPs. We need at least 170 people to pledged that they would shut DESO To order your lobby pack, take part – and we need you to be if they got into government. In part, containing all the information you’ll one of them! Encircling the building their pledge was thanks to need for a meeting with your MP, we will designate DESO a ‘global campaigning by CAAT and please contact Ann at the office (see danger zone’ to highlight the fact supporters like you. Now we must page 12). that it is helping to proliferate arms pressure the other political parties to Be part of the campaign. Help us and fuel conflict across the world. Its do the same – to promise to shut Shut DESO! own official website boasts that DESO and stop pushing arms “Successive Customer Satisfaction around the world. For more info and to register your Surveys of the UK defence industry After the action in the morning place for the Shut DESO action day, revealed that over 75% of this there will be a chance to lobby your please contact Anna at the office.

Shut DESO action day, Monday 16th October

11am: Rally and preparation for of them. If you can, please wear hundreds of people in a short space action. (Bloomsbury Central Baptist something white to symbolise unity of time about DESO. Church, 235 Shaftesbury Avenue, and peace. 3-6pm: Lobby your MP. Join London WC2). Hear the latest on the From 1.30pm: DESO poll: others to visit your MP at the Houses campaign to shut DESO and join Engaging the public. After being of Parliament, encouraging him or our preparations for the day ahead. part of our human chain, you can her to call for the closure of DESO. 12.30pm: Shut DESO mass further spread the message about This lobby will form part of our three action. (2-12 Bloomsbury Way, DESO by helping us conduct an month mass lobby. You’ll need to London WC1). Participate in informal street poll in Central book your meeting in advance – designating the headquarters of London. We will provide you with the contact the office for your lobby- DESO a “global danger zone”. We necessary support and materials for pack, containing all the info you’ll need 170 people to encircle the this. Together we will be able to tell need. building and we’d like you to be one

CAATnews AUG/SEPT 2006 3 ARMS TRADE SHORTS

Bush bans arms US shipped Small Arms to Venezuela Bosnian arms to warning at UN Iraq conference The US government has banned all arms sales to Venezuela, The Pentagon appears to have As the UN Small Arms Review claiming that the country hasn't co- arranged for more than 200,000 Conference met in New York in July, operated in the fight against Kalashnikov machine guns to be the Geneva-based Small Arms Survey terrorism and has harboured shipped from Bosnia to Iraq in 2004. warned that military modernisation Colombian guerrilla groups. The actual shipments were made by programmes expected over the next Venezuelan President Hugo various subcontractors working for decade could result in a glut of Chavez, a fervent critic of the Bush private military companies Taos and illegal small arms. The group has administration, has denied the CACI, but Amnesty International has expressed fears that the influx of new allegations and insisted that it is said that there is no evidence that the arms in developed countries could Venezuela that is under threat from weapons ever reached their intended result in older models being sold off the US. Only weeks after the ban destination: the new Iraqi security illicitly. Meanwhile at the conference, was announced, Russia agreed to forces. One of the subcontractors, Kofi Annan said that significant build rifle and munitions plants in Aerocom of Moldova, had already progress had been made on small Venezuela, “so that we can defend been stripped of its operating license arms since the last conference in every street, every hill, every by the Moldovan government due to 2001, but that there was still a long corner”, President Chavez said. “safety and security concerns” before way to go and that the UN's efforts The first shipment of 100,000 the shipments started. GUARDIAN, 12/5/06 remained focused on the spread of Kalashnikovs bought from Russia illegal weapons. Calls for an last year arrived in Venezuela in International Arms Trade Treaty made July. GUARDIAN, 16/5/06; DAILY TELEGRAPH, 1/6/06 UK companies by the Control Arms coalition were rejected by US Ambassador to the dominate Qatar UN, John Bolton. “We don't see any need for treaties or agreements BAE armoured Arms Fair coming out of this,” he said. AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE, 26/6/06; BBC NEWS ONLINE, vehicles bought 40 UK arms companies, the largest 5/7/06 number from any single country, for Iraq exhibited at Milipol-Qatar in May. They were assisted by DESO, the Chinese arms The US Army has awarded BAE government's arms sales unit, as well Systems a $180 million contract for as a display team from the British exacerbate 378 Iraqi Light Armoured Vehicles. Army. The UK is one of Qatar's main The vehicles are scheduled for rapid providers of military equipment and conflict delivery and the deal “expands BAE training and plans to acquire 20% of Systems' commitment to protecting its gas from Qatar by 2012. Amnesty International has American and allied troops in Iraq” GULF TIMES, 16/5/06 condemned China's export of according to the company. BAE SYSTEMS conventional weapons and small PRESS RELEASE, 5/6/06 arms to countries such as Pakistan, Aegis Defence Myanmar, Nepal and Sudan as demonstrating a “dangerously Rolls-Royce looks clears itself permissive approach to licensing arms exports”. It also said Chinese abroad In an internal investigation by UK arms exported to the Great Lakes private military company Aegis Region of Africa had been used in A declining UK “skills base” has Defence, it has cleared itself of all atrocities in the Democratic Republic forced Rolls-Royce to look overseas wrongdoing after a video, appearing of Congo. China last year described for engineers, according to chief to show its staff shooting at Iraqi its arms export policy as “cautious executive Sir John Rose. The company civilians, turned up on the Internet. and responsible”. is also sourcing more of its supply The inquiry found that the incident FINANCIAL TIMES, 12/6/06 chain from “low-cost” economies was “within the rules of the use of such as China, India and Mexico and force” and had not resulted in expects the proportion of its workforce casualties. A US military investigation employed outside the UK to exceed into the same incident has been 50% in the near future. INDEPENDENT, 24/5/06 closed with no further action expected. FINANCIAL TIMES, 15/6/06

4 AUG/SEPT 2006 CAATnews DEVELOPMENTS IN THE GLOBAL ARMS TRADE

New BAE Anti-corruption Shorts in brief corruption forum allegations over established Revolving Door Ivor Caplin, who stood down from Romania deal Many of the UK's leading arms his parliamentary seat and post as companies, together with the Defence a Defence Minister in 2005, has The Serious Fraud Office and its Manufacturers' Association and accepted a job as consultant for Romanian counterpart has been Society of British Aerospace Foresight Communications, which probing allegations that Companies set up a UK Defence lobbies on behalf of arms “commissions” totaling nearly £8 Industry Anti-Corruption Forum in companies including EADS. million were paid by BAE Systems May. Defence Procurement minister PRIVATE EYE, 12/5/06 agents to bring about a deal with Lord Drayson addressed the Romania for two refurbished frigates. inaugural meeting, as did Pentagon seeks Russian BAE was paid £116 million for the representatives of the Institute for arms for Afghans ships, whilst the UK MoD received Business Ethics and Transparency only their scrap value of £100,000 International. The Forum is intended The US has requested a “prodigious each from the company. Victor to be a regular opportunity to quantity” of ammunition from Blidea, until recently chief of exchange “best practice”. Participants Russia to arm President Karzai's Romanian naval operations, has said include Rolls Royce, Smiths Afghan government. The unusual that it was known at the time that a Aerospace, Thales UK and BAE move is said to have been Dutch company was offering similar Systems, which is currently the subject motivated by White House fears frigates but better equipped and still of several investigations by the that a Democrat could win the in active service for £20 million Serious Fraud Office. 2008 Presidential elections and apiece, suggesting Romania paid SBAC PRESS RELEASE, 19/6/06 withdraw US troops from three times more than the ships were Afghanistan. DAILY TELEGRAPH, 22/5/06 worth. The MoD's disposal agency estimates that Romania, one of Saudis get 10% Boeing pays $615 million Europe's poorest countries, could fine actually end up paying more than off Eurofighter £250 million to fully equip the ships. Boeing has agreed to pay the US GUARDIAN, 13/6/06 It has been reported that BAE Treasury $615m in a deal that will Systems had to cut the price of the mean it avoids criminal charges at Eurofighter Typhoon by 10% in order the end of a 3-year investigation Sri Lanka looks to clinch a £5.4 billion deal to supply into corruption. FINANCIAL TIMES, 16/5/06 the Royal Saudi Airforce with 72 of to Pakistan for them. The new UK Defence minister Red Arrows push UK arms Des Browne and Saudi Defence weapons minister Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz BAE Systems sponsored a Middle Al-Saud have now signed an inter- East tour by display team the Red Pakistan's bid to become a major governmental agreement on the Arrows in June. The pilots arms producer has been given a Typhoon Acquisition Project, which performed aerobatic tricks in the boost by the potential collapse of a also includes the building of runways latest version of BAE Systems' Hawk 2002 ceasefire between the Sri and assembly plants, and jet jet. Their Squadron leader Lankan state and separatist Tamil maintenance for the 25-year life of described the tour as a Tigers. High-level talks between the the contract. BAE Systems has demonstration of “UK excellence”. two governments earlier this year confirmed it is considering bidding GULF DAILY NEWS, 16/5/06 resulted in a request for Pakistan to for aspects of a further radar-based facilitate Sri Lankan military project to secure the Saudi border Swedes exporting more requirements as a high priority. These with Iraq and Yemen. requirements include ammunition, THE BUSINESS, 28/5/06 28 Gripen fighters have arrived in repairs to aircraft, missiles, cluster South Africa from SAAB's bombs and military vehicles. manufacturing site in Sweden. The JANE'S DEFENCE WEEKLY, 14/6/06 transfer comes as the Swedish government reveals that exports of military equipment exceeded domestic sales for the first time in 2005. JANE'S DEFENCE MONTHLY, JUNE 06; FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL, 4/7/06

CAATnews AUG/SEPT 2006 5 UPDATE Arms trade detectives

Both journalists and CAAT Yamamah arms deal with Saudi The situation is made even more researchers have been Arabia. An earlier CAAT FoI request ridiculous by the fact that the shining a light in the dark had established that it was the only membership of the PAC has corners of the arms trade NAO report to have been presented completely changed since 1992. Not writes Ann Feltham to Parliament and never published. It one of the current members has seen had been read by just two members the report and they are not even You may have wondered why the last of the then Public Accounts allowed to read it in confidence. edition of CAATnews was late – and Committee (PAC), both of whom had However, the Daily Telegraph, we are sorry that some of the diary agreed to keep it secret. which has run an editorial calling for dates had passed when you received the report’s publication, has kept up it. The reason for the delay was the its interest. On 7th July, it reported cover story ‘Oil, autocrats... and that in 1997 the NAO had done arms’ by Steering Committee another report on Al Yamamah, member Nick Gilby and CAAT’s which was never presented to former press officer, Mike Lewis. Parliament at all. The NAO declined Some of the information in the to explain this. The Serious Fraud article, found in files in the National Office, investigating bribery Archive, had been given to BBC2’s allegations related to BAE Systems Newsnight as an ‘exclusive’. The and the Al Yamamah deal, is also programme appeared on a later reported to have asked to see the date than originally planned, and 1992 report. CAAT agreed to hold CAATnews until it had been shown. No economic justification If you haven’t read the article, on FoI requests by CAAT to the Ministry arms sales to Saudi Arabia, you can of Defence and the Department of read it online at Trade and Industry have revealed www.caat.org.uk/caatnews or ask the that neither have conducted any CAAT office (020 7281 0297) to studies into the economic impact of send you a copy. During the Al Yamamah 1 or 2. So, despite programme, Lord Ian Gilmore, who Hope made his own FoI request assertions by government to the was Defence Secretary in Edward for the report. As with a similar contrary, there is no evidence that Heath’s Conservative government, request made by CAAT in 2005, he the Al Yamamah deals bring any confirmed that “You either got the was told it was covered by benefit to the UK economy. Indeed, business and bribed, or you didn’t Parliamentary Privilege and so could as most studies of the economic bribe and didn’t get the business. not be released. However, the NAO impact of arms exports as a whole You either went along with how the did send him some other documents, show that they are subsidised by the Saudis behaved, or what they which formed the basis of a headline taxpayer, it is likely that we are wanted, or you let the US and France article in Daily Telegraph business paying BAE Systems to sell weaponry have all the business.” section on 21st June. These revealed to the repressive Saudi regime. The information used by that the MoD structured the Al Newsnight is just one instance of Yamamah deal to avoid Harassed by pacifists several where information has come parliamentary scrutiny: “... If the In response to a FoI request by the to light as a result of digging into normal rules had been followed, Guardian, the Information ancient files or using the Freedom of Saudi transactions would appear Commissioner ruled that the MoD Information (FoI) mechanism. Some each year in the appropriation should release the names and details other examples are given below. accounts, laid before Parliament; of the Defence Export Services and we need to avoid this.” Organisation staff. The MoD thinks, Al Yamamah secrecy Although the current members of however, that this could lay the staff In May this year Daily Telegraph the PAC have discussed the matter, open to harassment by pacifists and Industry Editor Christopher Hope was they are not allowed to release the is appealing against the reporting on the BAE Systems AGM. report themselves as it is ‘unreported Commissioner’s ruling to a new He heard a CAAT supporter ask evidence’ from a previous tribunal. about the 1992 National Audit parliament, which can only be Office report into the immense Al released by a full vote of all MPs.

6 AUG/SEPT 2006 CAATnews LOCAL CAMPAIGNS CAAT hits the streets for Stop Week

This year’s Stop the Arms Trade Week (3-11 June) focused on the Shut DESO campaign. CAAT groups and individuals around the UK took action locally to raise awareness of DESO (the government’s arms sales unit). This kind of local action, especially when coordinated, is vital to raising the profile of this little known, but hugely influential government unit. Some brief accounts of local activities follow. Dorothy, CAAT local contact in Birmingham writes: “On Monday we gave out Shut DESO leaflets before and after the showing of the film ‘Lord of War’ at the Midlands Arts Centre. On Saturday we had a very successful all Opposing Essex County Council’s arms trade investments SOUTH ESSEX CAAT day stall at the Moseley Festival. This takes place along the main road in day of prayer in his service on 11th Universities, among others, Moseley and is always well attended. June.” distributed Shut DESO leaflets and We had a prime position – outside Sheffield CAAT group held a postcards through letterboxes and on the main supermarket and next to public meeting about DESO and campus. the bus stop – and gave out around organised exhibitions in the Central Others took more general anti- 200 Shut DESO leaflets as well as Library and a local justice shop. arms trade action. Smash EDO postcards and other literature, and Edinburgh CAAT started Stop Week campaigners in Brighton organised a collected several pages of petition with a picnic and a naming of the phone blockade of EDO MBM’s signatures. As an added bonus, we dead ceremony outside their local (arms manufacturer in Brighton) were given £45 in donations, BAE Systems site, and ended it with a main phone switchboard. South ironically after we had decided we stall in Princes Street. Bristol CAAT, Essex CAAT group organised a stall would concentrate on campaigning Hastings CND and Tavistock Peace and protest outside their Town Hall to rather than fund-raising this year! I Action group held street stalls, while campaign for an end to their Local also got our local vicar to include the campaigners in Tunbridge Wells and Authority’s investments in arms at Nottingham and Lancaster companies. BECCIE D’CUNHA

CAAT Christian Network update

The ninth annual Arms Trade Day of distributed and the comments CAAT says: “People from Prayer, held on Sunday 11th June to received so far have been very Abergavenny, Cardiff, Ebbw Vale coincide with Stop Week, was a encouraging. Please return your and Newport recently joined huge success. It was marked by feedback form as it will help in members of the Penarth Christian churches around the UK. Some had planning for next year. The Network of CAAT and friends in the displays, some organised for Fellowship of Reconciliation’s 12- annual Maundy Thursday prayer prayers to be said about the arms page publication, Living by the service outside the BAE Systems trade, others tailored their services Sword: A call for the closure of the Glascoed factory near Usk. The to the theme or gave out leaflets to DESO, provides a valuable addition service commemorated the lives of their congregations. It was an to the material produced by CAAT those 2 million children killed, opportunity to raise awareness and is available at www.for.org.uk according to UNICEF, in conflict in about CAAT’s Shut DESO campaign or by calling 01865 748 796. the last decade of the 20th century.” in their wider parishes. A total of In other news, Teresa Mitchell of ALUN MORINAN 108 day of prayer packs were the Penarth Christian Network of

CAATnews AUG/SEPT 2006 7 COVER STORY FUELLING THE ARMS RACE IN SOUTH ASIA

Where once the UK government helped cause the conflict between India and Pakistan, now it sees both countries as lucrative arms markets, reports Helen Close

The conflict between India and Pakistan makes South Asia Muslim separatists, unhappy with this decision, formed one of the most volatile regions of the world; and one of ‘free Kashmir’ groups, campaigning to split Kashmir from the most lucrative for arms suppliers. Small wonder then, India. India reacted by sending troops into Kashmir to that the UK’s Defence Export Services Organisation has quell insurgents. This evolved into a full-scale war with categorised India as a ‘priority market’ and is actively Pakistan. A ceasefire was agreed in 1949 and a encouraging arms companies to sell to Pakistan. demarcation line was drawn across the province. It lasted The conflict dates back to 1947 when ‘British India’ until 1965 when India and Pakistan again fought over gained independence. The sub-continent was partitioned Kashmir. In 1972 the two countries signed the Simla into India, with a Hindu majority, and largely Muslim Agreement, establishing a Line of Control (LoC) Pakistan. The latter later split into Bangladesh in the east reaffirming the 1949 demarcation line. The LoC divides and Pakistan in the west. At the time of partition, small Kashmir so that one quarter of the province (3,000,000 principalities such as Kashmir could choose which country inhabitants) fall under Pakistani control while the other to align to. The Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, decided 9,000,000 live under Indian jurisdiction. to join Hindu-dominated India, despite the majority of the province’s population being Muslim. South Asia today Pakistan is currently led by Pervez Musharraf who, in October 1999, overthrew the elected government in a bloodless coup and forced the Prime Minister, Nawaz Value of UK export licences granted for Sharif, into exile. Musharraf appointed himself state military and dual-use goods to India and president in June 2001, after sacking President Tarar and i dissolving parliament and four regional assemblies. In Pakistan, 1999-2005 April 2002 Musharraf had his presidential tenure extended for five years and in 2004 he reneged on his promise to give up his position as head of the armed forces. Pakistan Year Pakistan India has a population of 154.8 million people who live on an £m £m annual average income of just $420 and is ranked 142nd 2005 18 64 out of 177 on the Human Development Index. 2004 40 351 The country is divided into tribal areas that the Pakistani 2003 30 87 government struggles to control. Wazirstan, bordering on 2002 15 118 Afghanistan is especially volatile, with local militants 2001 14 63 supportive of Al-Qaeda. India claims that Pakistan actively 2000 6 65 supports groups such as Harkat Ul-Mujahideen and Hizb 1999 12 58 Ul-Mujahideen that fight for the integration of Kashmir into Pakistan. i United Kingdom Strategic Export Controls reports, 1997-2005. The figures refer to SIELs only

8 AUG/SEPT 2006 CAATnews ARMING INDIA AND PAKISTAN

are about such issues as the existence of tensions or armed conflicts, a country’s level of employment, the preservation of regional peace and stability, the recipient government’s human rights record and which international conventions it has signed. Although India and Pakistan have an extremely poor record on a number of these counts, the UK enthusiastically supplies weapons and weapon parts to both (see table). The largest recent deal has been the £800m contract for 66 BAE Systems Hawk Jets signed in 2004. Although the Hawk jets were sold as training aircraft they are also advertised as ‘multi-role’, in that they can be used effectively in ground attacks and as “a combat aircraft should an operational scenario present itself.” (Head of the Indian Airforce)

UK Government involvement The sale of these jets to a country involved in a regional conflict is alarming, but that doesn’t stop the UK government getting involved. During 2001 and 2002, when India and Pakistan had mobilised their armies for war, there were 17 visits by Tony Blair and other UK ministers. Many involved direct lobbying for the sale of the BAE Systems Hawk Jets. UK government support for arms exports is co- Today, India is the world’s largest functioning ordinated by the Defence Export Services Organisation democracy with a population of 1.2 billion. Its people live (DESO), which has categorised India a ‘priority market’ on an average annual income of just $460 and are and helps and encourages companies to bid for contracts ranked 127th out of 177 on the Human Development there. It regularly attends arms fairs in India to promote Index. The country has several internal conflicts with weaponry. At DefExpo 2005, DESO hired a stand where separatist groups demanding independence. Current low UK soldiers demonstrated UK-manufactured arms. intensity conflicts include those in Tripura and Assam. The Companies attending were able to claim up to £1,700 major conflict is that of Kashmir. through the DTI ‘Trade Partners UK’ and SESA (Support for India has the world’s third largest army (1.26 million Exhibitions and Seminars Abroad) initiatives. As India was troops), the fourth largest air force, and, in 2005, spent an ‘emerging target market’ another £500 was also $23.7 billion on the military. It has both nuclear weapons claimable. and ballistic missiles with a range of up to 2000km. Although Pakistan has not been one of the UK’s most Pakistan has an army of 550,000 troops and an air important arms export markets, there have been some force of 45,000. In 2005 it spent $3.7 billion on its armed significant deals. In 2002, when India and Pakistan were forces. It also has nuclear weapons and its longest range on the brink of war, it was discovered that Alenia Marconi ballistic missile can reach 1,300km. Both countries Systems, then half owned by BAE Systems, was training continue to refuse to sign any of the multilateral non- elite Pakistani pilots and fighter operations controllers in proliferation and disarmament agreements that oversee the use of integrated electronic warfare at a specialist testing, developing, manufacturing and use of nuclear training college in Wales. Additionally, between 1999 and weapons. 2002, Marconi Super Skyranger radars were fitted into Pakistan’s fighter jets. Supplying the subcontinent Pakistan is not currently designated a DESO ‘priority Between 1997 and 2004, India was the leading purchaser market’, but it has been in the past and the UK of conventional weapons in the developing world, government is actively encouraging UK arms companies accounting for just over 10% of developing world arms to sell to the country. In February 2006, DESO co- transfer agreements. Over the past nine years Russia has organised a briefing called ‘Doing Defence Business with been India’s largest supplier, transferring conventional Pakistan’ and hopes to have a UK National Pavilion at the weapons to the value of $9.9 billion. Israel, France, the Pakistani arms fair IDEAS in November 2006. UK and the USA are also significant suppliers, along with Ukraine, Uzbekistan and the Netherlands. Over the same CAAT’s new report on arms sales to India and Pakistan will period, Pakistan imported conventional weapons worth be available during the autumn. $4.5 billion from its major suppliers. Nearly $3 billion of this was accounted for by France, China and the USA. Sources: UNDP Human Development Report 2004; International Institute The UK government is supposed to assess arms exports for Strategic Studies, The Military Balance 2006; SIPRI, Yearbook 2006 and arms transfer database; Congressional Research Service, against its Consolidated National and EU Criteria. These Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing nations, 1997-2004, 2005. KAVITA GRAPHICS KAVITA

CAATnews AUG/SEPT 2006 9 ACTION REPORT Farnborough International Arms Fair 2006 My Farnborough protest

‘Collateral damage’ I arrive late for the demo at Farnborough Air Show. It’s funny how the more local you are, the later you get there. The crowd is lively, the banners large and loud. As I approach the gathering, a policeman takes a photo of me with a camera that has a lens as long as a truncheon. I’ve brought a placard with me, a blown up photo from the Guardian of a Lebanese woman who was part of the previous day’s ‘collateral damage’.“ Collateral could be your daughter”, it reads. I mingle Not a family day out – CAAT protestors at Farnborough PATRICK DELANEY with the crowd a little and watch Anna being interviewed by local ITV News. Then I decide to wander It is a cruel irony that as Israel was DESO, the government’s arms export off and show off my banner to bombing Lebanon, killing dozens of unit, were key organisers of the people on the other side of the civilians in retaliation for Hizbollah event, coordinating military fence hanging around a BAE attacks on the Israeli Army, delegations from over 40 countries Systems tent. Farnborough International 2006 including Indonesia, Libya and Saudi opened its doors for 5 days of Arabia. To top it all, Prime Minister Dangerous hardcore trading in military aircraft Tony Blair himself made a special I smile sweetly above my banner and related weaponry. F16s were on visit to the fair – proving that the UK at one man, who stares at me. We display – the very planes that Israel government will bend over are just getting into an eyeballing uses against its enemies – and BAE backwards to provide the arms contest when a policeman comes Systems were showcasing their latest industry with corporate welfare of the up behind me and asks me to Unmanned Ariel Vehicles (UAVs) highest order. rejoin the demo. He insists that I whose ‘lethal-payloads’ were first am acting beyond the agreed used in Israel’s invasion of Lebanon Protest bounds of the demonstration, and in 1982. In the years following the Around 40 people came along to he will censure the demo if I do curiously named ‘operation peace peacefully demonstrate outside the not return. The policeman with the for Galilee’, UAVs have been used fair on the opening day of trade, phallic lens clicks away, I click routinely in conflicts including which attracted a great deal of press him, and our official photographer Kosovo, Afghanistan and the Gulf attention and enabled us to convey Patrick clicks everybody. I must War, and are potent examples of the reality of Farnborough look very dangerous, as when I how the perpetrators of war try to International to a wider audience. leave and walk to my car I am distance themselves more and more We made it clear that rather than followed at a distance by two from their victims. being a family-friendly air show, this policemen. Farnborough International 2006 is a government-subsidised arms fair ROB THORBURN took place over a whole week in July that is helping to fuel conflict all over in Hampshire. Around half of the the world. ANNA JONES world’s biggest arms companies were exhibiting their wares and

10 AUG/SEPT 2006 CAATnews FEATURE ‘What’s a comedian doing writing about the arms trade?’ Mark Thomas on promoting best, even Daily Mail readers; it is in arms exports to the tune of about his new book about the not something they want their £13,000 per year. arms trade to the world of children to do. One arms company I “So it isn’t even good for the local radio phoned in South Africa to talk to economy!” was a phrase I heard in about electroshock stun batons put various regional accents over the two It is not every day of your life that me on hold (‘Wait while I get the days. It seemed the presenters were you hear the phrase, “When expert’ the clipped Africaans voice most shocked not by the 640 million Nicholas Parsons comes out, had said) and I had music piped small arms at large in the world, but Nottingham will be waiting for you.” down the phone at me. Thus far by the fact that selling them didn’t And, once heard, it is a difficult fairly normal, except that the music even benefit the British economy. phrase to forget. How could anyone they played was ‘Love me tender’ Back on the sofa the receptionist forget anything involving the and this was an electroshock nods at me. Nicholas Parsons has prospect of Nicholas Parsons coming manufacturer.” just walked past so it’s my turn out? Let me explain. The more astute reader has again. I gulp a final mouthful of Having written a book about the noticed that I didn’t answer the coffee and mentally run through a arms trade, it seemed only natural interviewer’s question. I sort of gave story I’m going to tell the radio that I should want people to read it, up doing that after I managed to do listeners about working with school so, at the publisher’s request, I spent an entire interview without getting to children to buy torture equipment two days at the BBC’s Broadcasting mention that I’d written a book on and expose the UK government’s House. Within the bowels of this the arms trade. Almost all the loopholes in the law. “Remember to august organisation is a unit with presenters I spoke to started from a mention the 13 grand,” I say out four studios, a reception area, a sofa position of “This gun selling is a bit loud as I head into the studio, “and and a coffee machine. The studios off, isn’t it?” but what the title: ‘As Used on the Famous link to BBC regional stations all eventually seemed to Nelson Mandela’.” across the country, where promoting fascinate them was the scale books is the sturdy fair of of the UK’s subsidy to the As Used on the programming. Its here that a handful arms industry. Using the work Famous Nelson of folk wait to go into one of the of Paul Ingrams (BASIC) and Mandela was studios to sit at a desk with a Roy Isbister (Saferworld), I published by Ebury microphone on it until suddenly, came up with the rough figure Press in July. Details through headphones, comes a voice: that the UK subsidises each job of Mark’s book “Hi it’s Sue here from Radio Jersey; readings and tour we’ll be with you straight after the can be found at travel.” www.markthomasinfo.com After a couple of interviews I begin to get the hang of this promotion lark. “So,“ says an incredulous presenter’s voice from Join Mark’s Wales, “what’s a comedian doing writing about the arms trade?”, “I book tour should say the book is called ‘As Used on the Famous Nelson Mark has invited CAAT to Mandela’ and the title comes from accompany him on his tour so we an arms dealer’s website; he was can tell people about our work advertising South African-made leg and encourage them to become irons and this was the advertising supporters. Dates are between strap line: As used on the famous August and December, in Nelson Mandela.” locations all over Britain from “Good Lord,” I hear the Welsh Penzance to Glasgow. If you’d voice say and carry on: ”And this is like to help out in your home at the heart of the book. Arms town or somewhere nearby, dealers really do not see themselves please get in touch with Anna, as others see them. Most decent folk [email protected] or 020 see the arms industry as distasteful at 7281 0297.

CAATnews AUG/SEPT 2006 11 PARLIAMENTARY Shut DESO Lobby

As part of the campaign to shut the At the moment, with parliamentary Parliament and in her or his party. Defence Export Services backing for an international Arms An MP who is strongly supportive of Organisation, there will be a lobby Trade Treaty, it is particularly the arms industry may reconsider the of MPs from 1st September to 30th important that MPs are aware of the issue if a well-reasoned case is November. The long time span is to contradiction of calling for tough calmly presented by constituents. This allow as many supporters as possible arms export controls while is especially true if the MP encounters to talk to their MPs about closing simultaneously promoting sales. colleagues who have also been DESO. You can lobby your MP in Pressure from within the lobbied. their constituency at a convenient constituency is frequently a key factor • Order the Lobby Pack from the time or do so on 16th October as in influencing an MP’s views. A CAAT office now or download it part of the Action Day. sympathetic MP who is lobbied may at www.calltheshots.org be encouraged to take action in

Clean Investment and Local Authorities

The details of local authority pension officials to get in touch with CAAT, Peace & Security to arrange a fringe scheme investments in arms asking how they could raise the issue meeting on Clean Investment at the companies released by CAAT in April within their own council. Several have party’s conference in Brighton in late were the first obtained through already begun to take action. For September. LDPS has also tabled a Freedom of Information requests. As instance, in London, Camden’s first motion on the issue and we are a result they were more Green councillor used his inaugural currently waiting to see if it makes comprehensive than usual. This speech to talk about his Council’s the final agenda. prompted much media interest, with investments in arms companies. He If you would like more information articles appearing in local papers attracted the support of Labour and about the Liberal Democrat meeting across the country as well as Liberal Democrat colleagues. or how you can raise the clean numerous reports on regional investment issue with your council, television and radio stations. Liberal Democrat Conference contact Ann on 020 7281 0297 or The coverage encouraged At the time of writing, CAAT is [email protected]. Councillors and UNISON branch working with Liberal Democrats for

It’s all happening in Brussels

Many of the most important more competitive.” No reference is of states”to maintain a defence developments on arms exports are made to the controversial nature of industry as part of their industrial now happening at European Union the production and export of military base and their defence”. It omits to level. One such is a consultation equipment, nor of the devastating say that many EU citizens paper, produced by the Directorate impact it can have on peace, human campaigned for the EU Code on the General Enterprises and Industry of rights and economic development. basis that it would restrict arms sales, the European Commission. While much of the European not provide a justification for Obviously addressed to military public is calling for more controls removing controls on them. manufacturers and exporting and more rigorous enforcement of CAAT and counterpart governments, the paper regards them, the consultation paper is organisations in the European military goods as just another looking at ways to remove Network Against Arms Trade as well product, to which the principle of restrictions on arms transfers and as arms control think-tanks have free movement of goods and services treat them as normal commerce. responded to the consultation. and normal commercial policies While it mentions the EU Code of ANN FELTHAM should be applied. The stated aim is Conduct on Arms Exports, it is mainly to make the sector “economically to point out that the Code’s more efficient and technologically preamble emphasises the intention

12 AUG/SEPT 2006 CAATnews OTHER NEWS Wanted – new members for CAAT’s Steering Committee The Steering Committee is CAAT’s To become a Supporter Register to vote ultimate decision-making body, representative you need to have If more people are nominated than deciding on the organisation’s policy been receiving CAATnews for more there are places, elections will be and direction. It meets in London on than 12 months. You must be held later in the year. Ballot papers four Saturday afternoons each year, proposed and seconded by other will only be sent to supporters or usually spending about half its time supporters of at least 12 months groups who have registered as on campaigns and policy and half standing, defined as before, only one wishing to vote. More than one vote on administrative matters. of whom may be a member of for a household will be allowed, Composed of CAAT’s staff and Steering Committee. The paid staff, provided that each person fills in a representatives of some of CAAT’s and the person appointed by separate voting registration card or Sponsoring organisations and Steering Committee as the Returning makes an individual signed request. Networks, the Steering Committee Officer (this year it is Nick Russell), If you have not previously also has eight Supporter may not make nominations. The registered to vote and want to do so representatives. These latter sit on deadline for nominations is this autumn, please send in a request the Committee for two years, four Wednesday 11th October. now. It must include your signature. retiring each year. Send your nominations to Ann at If you cannot remember whether you Please consider standing for the CAAT office or email them to her are registered, you can contact Ann Steering Committee, especially if on [email protected]. Please also on 020 7281 0297 or you’re active in CAAT at a local level contact Ann if you would like to [email protected] as local campaigners are poorly discuss this further. represented at the moment.

New Media Co-ordinator CAAT National

Symon Hill writes: Before working in this area Gathering 2006 On 24th July I started as CAAT professionally, my paid work Media Co-ordinator and am now ranged from a call centre to a Saturday 25th November getting stuck into the job. poultry farm and included two years 2006, 10am–6pm, Mary Ward I grew up in the Midlands in the as a bookseller at Waterstone’s. At House, Tavistock Place, 1980s and my involvement in the same time, I campaigned on London (near Russell Square) campaigning grew out of the social issues ranging from peace to Join us for a day of workshops injustices that I saw all around me. mental health, workers’ rights to and discussions. Whether you’re At school one day my teacher said religious liberty. In the late 1990s I new to arms issues or a long-time that I was no good at anything served as volunteer Press Officer for campaigner we will have sessions except arguing. I have defied her in CCAD, a group campaigning on to suit you. The day will help you the most practical way possible, by mental health in faith communities. become better informed about the developing a career in arguing!OK, It was there that I developed my arms trade, learn more about I admit there’s a lot more to media passion for engaging with the CAAT’s campaigns and the action relations than that, but I very much media to achieve social change. you can take, develop your skills enjoy the challenge of putting I’m very excited about working and meet other like-minded across a convincing case concisely for CAAT and am looking forward people. to a target audience. to getting to know many CAAT There is no charge for the day My previous job was at the activists and supporters over the and a vegetarian lunch will be University of London Union (ULU), coming months and years. I very provided, though donations would where I was employed as Media much value your advice, thoughts be welcome. and Campaigns Co-ordinator. I and suggestions, so feel free to get More information in the next promoted students’ concerns to the in touch with me on issue of CAATnews, but if you have media and advised elected officers [email protected] or 020 7281 ideas for discussions or on communication. I am pleased to 0297. workshops, or would like to have promoted ULU’s opposition to register in advance, contact Anna academic investments in the arms at the office on [email protected] trade. or 020 2781 0297.

CAATnews AUG/SEPT 2006 13 CAAT CASH Fundraising

By Kathryn Busby

Sponsor Jan Walters in the notice in the CAATnews I was Advert in the Friend Great North Run inspired to use this as an opportunity I’d like to say a huge thank you to A message from Jan Walters, who not only to set myself a further the CAAT supporter (who wishes to will be running the Great North Run challenge, but also to help raise remain anonymous) who answered to raise money for CAAT on Sunday funds for the valuable work carried my call in the last issue of 1st October 2006: out by CAAT. As the only runner for CAATnews, for someone to ‘sponsor “I am 42 years old and live in CAAT in the Great North Run this an advert’. Because of her generous Marsden, a small town just outside year, I feel a rather heavy burden of donation, our new recruitment Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with responsibility and hope that other postcard will be included with the my two teenage daughters. I recently supporters will feel moved to sponsor Friend, the independent weekly qualified as a solicitor and work for me.” magazine with news and views from a local firm. I am a Quaker and To support Jan’s efforts to raise a Quaker perspective, during one have been a supporter of CAAT for a money for CAAT, please complete week in August. number of years. I believe the the sponsor form included with this Of course if anyone else would organisation campaigns efficiently issue of CAATnews and return it with like to sponsor an advert in another and with distinct clarity and integrity. your donation to the CAAT office. If publication, your donation would be “I started running at the beginning you can’t find the sponsor form, very gratefully received! Also, if you of last year as an attempt to get fit simply write ‘Great North Run’ on the would like some copies of the new and lose weight after giving up a 20- back of your cheque. recruitment postcard (pictured) to year smoking habit. I completed a 5- distribute in your local area, please kilometre run with my daughters in contact Patrick at the office. September 2005. When I saw the

14 AUG/SEPT 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 Symon 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 Alun Morinan 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 your area or if you are interested in becoming a local contact or setting up a group. All that’s needed is a New baby girl for willingness to raise awareness of arms trade issues in any way that you feel is appropriate. CAATnews editor Contact Beccie at [email protected] for info, including the Local Campaigns Pack. Congratulations to Melanie Jarman, who normally edits CAATnews, and who gave birth to a baby girl on 5th Raise awareness July. Born weighing 8 pounds, 9 ounces, she initially Organising a public meeting, using the local media and had heart problems, but after an operation is making running a street stall have proved effective ways for CAAT good progress. Melanie and her partner have named groups to raise awareness of arms trade issues. CAAT can her Amalie, which is derived from amal, the Arabic provide speakers for public meetings, materials for stalls word for hope. and can also help with publicity. CAAT staff and volunteers would like to send the new family our best wishes.

CAATnews AUG/SEPT 2006 15 Subscribe now! Campaigns diary

Subscription is voluntary, but we need your support. We suggest £26 waged, £14 low 5 August income and £35 for groups. Please give more if you are able, or less if not. Musical protest against the DSEi arms fair. 2pm-4.30pm, outside the ExCel Centre, Name Newham, East London. Next to Custom House DLR station. Organised by East London Address Against the Arms Fair. August–December

Postcode Mark Thomas on tour (see www.markthomasinfo.com for details). Mark Tel has asked CAAT to have a stall at each event. If you can help, please see page 11. Email 1 September–30 November I enclose a cheque/postal order for £ Three-month mass lobby of MPs as part of I do not want to receive an acknowledgment Shut DESO campaign. Visit your MP in your local constituency or come along to Parliament on the 16th October. See page 3. Please give by 11 October Deadline for nominations for Supporter standing order Representatives on CAAT Steering Committee. See page 13. It helps CAAT plan ahead more effectively and costs less to administer, so more money 16 October goes directly to campaigning. Just £3 a month makes a real difference. Shut DESO Day of Action. CAAT will be joining other groups for a day of protest to shut Name DESO. Together we will encircle the headquarters of DESO, designating it a Bank address “global danger zone”, and send a clear signal that DESO’s place in Government is unacceptable. You’ll also have the chance to lobby your MP in the afternoon, as part of our Postcode three-month lobby. See page 3.

Sort code Acc No 25 November Please pay: The Co-operative Bank Plc, 1 Islington High CAAT National Gathering. 10am–6pm, Mary Street, London, N1 9TR (sort code 08 90 33) for the account Ward House, Tavistock Place, London. Our of CAMPAIGN AGAINST ARMS TRADE (account number annual conference for everyone interested in 50503544) the sum of ending arms exports. A day of talks, discussions and workshops to find out more pounds (£ ) about the issues, improve your campaigning skills and meet other CAAT supporters. More starting on (dd/mm/yyyy) and monthly/ details in the next issue of CAATnews. annually thereafter. Our online events diary is updated regularly between issues of CAATnews. Find it at Signed www.caat.org.uk/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