Campaigning against Trident Faslane: a focus lor action The Faslane Submarine base in has become a central point in the work for the Coulport site is destroying British peace movement, as awareness grows of what it represents as the home of hundreds of acres of forest and moorland, the British “independent” nuclear deterrent. For over three years there has been as will the access roads being built by the a peace camp near the base, building up the campaign against both Faslane and MoD for its own traffic. They happen to its twin base Coulport. As well as bringing the Polaris convoys to the attention of provide a bypass for at the the peace movement, the camp has been organising the Rainbow Campaign (see same time, but also a 9‘/2 mile temporary below). In addition there are active CND groups in nearby Helensburgh and bypass of Helensburgh and Rhu for use Dumbarton, and further direct action groups who regularly support the camp solely by military traffic, which will be tom from and beyond. So, with the Yellow and Green Actions in June and up in 1993 when construction work is over. August, the International March in July, and the possibility of a major CND The byelaws which currently cover both demonstration in October, Faslane is this year the target for a lot of intense bases will be extended to cover a huge peace campaigning. What, then, are the prospects for all this effort producing any real results, short or long-term? Do the protesters find them­ selves, as so in many places, activists with­ out significant local help? Is there a real possibility of building a large body of sup­ port for the protests from among the local population which might stand a chance of really changing the bases? The first barrier which peace campaigners often come across when trying to win the uncommitted to their cause is sheer lack of interest, often because the issues which the peace campaigners find so important simply do not concern the person they are talking to. This is never more true than around military bases, where much local employment is either directly or indirectly dependent on' the base.

ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT Unemployment in the Strathclyde Region stands at over 17%. Of the 5050 personnel at Faslane 1800 are civilians as are 1650 out of 1700 at Coulport; combining this Polaris submarine in dry-dock with the number of local firms dependent on the two bases, any talk of closing them is unlikely to meet with much support Within the enlargements to both bases are area, and almost the entire Gareloch may without strong arguments to back it up. On hidden non-nuclear escalations (I see the become a military area, so that even fish­ the Trident issue, however, the chances use o f “conventional” to mean non-nuclear ing in it will be illegal. Some of these are somewhat greater. The Alternative Em­ as a clever device to make weapons seem moves may be too much even for those ployment Study Group (AESG), set up in “normal” and hence “acceptable”). At who otherwise would not oppose the 1982 by Helensburgh and Dumbarton CND present Faslane is the home port for bases. groups, has shown that in the Strathclyde Polaris submarines, but also services nuc­ Region about 1500 temporary construction lear and diesel-powered hunter-killer subs LOCAL INTERESTS THREATENED jobs will be created, but no long-term belonging to both Britain and other NATO countries. The Royal Naval Armaments civilian employment. Very few of the A local councillor has already started a Depot at Coulport is where Polaris nuclear promised 35,000 jobs have materialised: petition over the MoD’s plans to blast the warheads are removed from the subs to be most of the major work is being done in Rhu Narrows at the entrance to the loch, transported to the Royal Ordnance Factory the United States. The scrapping of Trident as this will destroy a known Site of Special at Burghfield in Berkshire for “refur­ won’t therefore have much effect on local Scientific Interest. This is entirely separate bishing”. employment— but the Ministry of “De­ from the camp’s activities (indeed the fence” has skilfully given the opposite im­ Under the proposed Trident programme, councillor is not friendly to the camp) and pression. Add to that the trend at Faslane through which Britain’s “independent” is a sign that the MoD may be going too far. to replace civilians with service personnel nuclear deterrent is to be “modernised”, Issues which are directly affecting the (who usually come from outside the both Faslane and Couport are to be greatly local population might lead, with the ap­ region), and the carefully-fostered depen­ extended. At Faslane a torpedo-handling propriate encouragement, to more open dence on the military is clearly more per­ jetty, dry dock and a huge ship-lift are opposition. Through campaigning work by ceived than actual, even when you take planned as well as other onshore buildings. local CND groups, the public is aware of into account the effect of base personnel The Coulport site is to be enlarged almost many of the issues and does seem pre­ spending in local shops. across the whole width of the pared to listen to the case put forward. The AESG has also investigated the pos­ Peninsular, leaving effectively only an The MoD has another problem, of its own sibilities for conversion— applying the re­ access road to the villages further down. making, on the Faslane base itself. There sources at the bases to socially useful More buildings and a giant floating jetty are 70,000 tonnes of asbestos (from de­ production. However, much of the equip­ are also to be built. The amount of non­ commissioned warships) dumped on the ment is so specific that it could not so nuclear work is impossible to see, amongst northern part of the site, where the Trident easily be switched in this way, although the already obscure official disinformation extensions are planned. Plans to move it to the expertise could certainly be used to about the plans. a dump at Glenboig near Glasgow were develop alternatives. Effectively, the MoD is taking over the prevented by a local action group last year, The developments at Faslane and Coulport area, and seems to have an extremely who had to use civil disobedience to do so. do not merely involve Trident, however. arrogant attitude about it too. The building Recently, plans by the MoD to move at least some of it to a site near the Cloch lighthouse on the south side of the Clyde have angered local fishermen, who are concerned about the proposal, and fear contamination of the Clyde. These are all issues which the campaign needs to take up if it is to gain widespread local backing. The peace camp already receives a lot of direct support from local people, such as food from farmers and the free use of Rhu hall for some events, and from the council, who have legalised the camp. Strathclyde Regional Council is a Nuclear-Free Zone, and has also declared a policy of non-cooperation with the MoD over the Trident extensions. This was tested recently when the MoD erected a temporary fence on the main road past the Faslane base (see PN April 18). This issue may have an effect on this May’s local government elections; in any case there is considerable potential for the peace movement to work with the council and hold it to its promises.

The peace camp’s relationship with the Photo: Viv Kendon local population is by no means all good. Campers caravan at the North Gate Peace Camp, Faslane. Most of the local pubs don’t like campers, and of course the service personnel and isting anti-nuclear one. However, in the other military bases all over Britain, only their families are unlikely to be supportive. short term, Trident is the main issue, and it by virtue of involving people at the point at Many civilian base workers probably feel is one which the peace movement nation­ which the issues directly concern them. threatened by calls to close it— here is one ally, ie as a British issue, can win, although of the crunch points for campaigners to Parallel to this effort, the ways of working in England it may first have to take on its which the nonviolent direct action move­ contend with. own anglo-centricity that says that Scot­ ment has developed— consensus decision­ land is “up there”, and not a national issue. ANGLO-SCOTTISH RELATIONS making, affinity groups, and so on— also There are firms carrying out contracts for need to be worked on, so that we can There is another factor applicable to Trident all over Britain. The employment evolve, and demonstrate the type of non- Faslane, and that is the resentment felt by arguments— that Trident does not create hierarchical society we want to create. many Scottish people towards London many jobs at all, and those for conversion That’s a tall order for a movement which rule. Although many English people often and spending on constructive work, have hsts too many issues to deal with already, forget it, Scotland is not England, and the already been made by the peace move­ but, particularly related to Faslane, I see it Scottish cultural identity is quite distinct. ment. What is needed is that they be put to as being possible, and an exciting The extent to which Scottish industry has use in a way which draws in workers and challenge. been run down, whilst military spending unions behind the call to scrap Trident. ROBIN H has increased, angers many. With the link The Rainbow Campaign has started that between arms spending and declining process, by providing the information to The Alternative Employment Study Group’s report social services clear to a lot of people, campaign with. This will undoubtedly con­ Polaris and Trident, the myths and realities of employment costs £1.50 from Russell Fleming, there is a growing feeling of discontent tribute to the longer-term aims of remov­ AESG, Old Academy Building, Church Street, which could find an expression in protest ing not only Faslane and Coulport but also Dumbarton G82 1QL (tel Dumbarton 31521). at Faslane. At the same time, English peace campaigners need to be aware that they cannot just go to Scotland and expect to PLANS FOR ACTION campaign as they do at home without The Yellow Action from May 31 to June 2 is the third action in Faslane Peace Camp's taking the cultural differences into Rainbow Campaign to stop Trident. The Rainbow Campaign is a series of seven mass nonviolent actions, each linked to a colour of the rainbow, so that we build a rainbow as account. we dismantle Trident. Per head of population Scotland is one of On June 2 we intend to blockade the Trident construction site on Peaton Hill, to stop work the most heavily militarised countries in all day. This is the site where the MoD are building a road to link Faslane and Coulport Europe. This could contribute to the de­ bases, and where they plan to build silos for Trident warheads. The blockade will be on a velopment of a much more consciously Monday so that the workers don't lose money if their work is disrupted. anti-militarist movement out of the ex- We invite people to come for the weekend beforehand. There will be a ceilidh in the evening on Saturday, and on Sunday, workshops, NVDA training and meetings to decide what will happen on the Monday. We'll provide legal support, a creche, vegan food and a women-only camping space. We'll need volunteers for the creche etc, so if you don't want to risk being arrested, your involvement is just as vital. Please come with tents, bedding, eating utensils, water container, musical instruments; and transport if possible. Most of the Trident contracts are due to start this year or next, and they have penalty clauses written into them where the MoD or the firm have to pay a fine each day the start is delayed. This could mean that by the end of this year it will be more expensive for any government to cancel Trident than to go ahead with it. We plan to vigil and leaflet at the site from May 26-30, to talk with the workers. We'll need help to do this, so please come if you can. On Friday May 23, we're asking groups to do actions in their home towns to highlight the amount of Trident work going on nationally. We're asking people to vigil and leaflet firms which are doing work for Trident. Many of these companies may have a local office in your town: Tarmac, Taylor Woodrow, Wimpey, Balfour Beatty, Biwater Shellabear, Briggs Amasco, Cementation, Fairclough Engineering, French Kier Construction, Laing, Alfred McAlpine, Robert McAlpine, Miller Construction, Norwest Holst, Edmund Nuttall. . . the list is endless. Almost every town in Britain has connections w ith Trident. Please protest at the factories and offices, contact local Trade Unions to discuss alternative work, and make May 23 a day of publicising the Rainbow Campaign and also the start of a dialogue between the peace movement and people who work in the weapons industry. We have lists of contractors at Faslane and Coulport and we're now compiling a national list of firms working for Trident. If you want a copy, send us 25p plus postage. For more information, contact Faslane Peace Camp, Shandon, Helensburgh, , or tel (0436) 820901. Faslane is on the A814, six miles north of Helensburgh on the Gareloch. Trains run regularly from Glasgow Queen Street to Helensburgh Central. The 134 bus The Orange A ction—e rooftop occupation of goes from opposite Helensburgh station and stops outside the Peace Camp. the Radiation Monitoring Station at Rhu FASLANE PEACE CAMP PEACE NEWS SO REPff No more Vietnams No more Vietnams first appeared in PN on April 30, 1976—a year after the end place and every day dead bodies float­ of the Vietnam war. The PN introduction, and the article by a Vietnamese ed in the river. I was uneasy seeing all Buddhist, look back at the role and work of the Buddhists during the war and o f this violence but I did not know how under the new regime. to act. Then one day I met some young A year ago on April 30, the Vietnam war officially ended. For many of us Buddhists. in the West, in Vietnam we saw the hideousness of counter-insurgency RESPONSIBILITY warfare: children screaming with napalm burns; prisoners paralysed in These young Buddhists explained tiger cages; indiscriminate bombing of people and villages; the devast­ Buddhism to me like this: “The Buddha ation of a once-beautiful country by defoliants;the bombing of the taught us that one should work to im­ dykes; the land sown with "anti-personnel devices", not seeds but prove one’s karma. Usually people bombs which would fragment and scatter, maiming whoever they think that performing good acts such hit;people shunted into "strategic hamlets"; and the massacres... as feeding the poor, refraining form Increasingly, the war was computerised, but the suffering was always stealing and lying and so on, is the best human. Through photos, TV films, newsreels, first-hand accounts, we preparation for good karma. But we witnessed the horror, and many people came to question and resist the usually forget that there are two kinds very system that required such degradation; we came to resist and later of karma— the individual karma and the collective karma. Avoiding wrong tried to disaffiliate ourselves from Western technological barbarism. deeds helps the individual karma but Yet in the Vietnamese themselves, both those in the National Liberation collective karma implicates your fam­ Front and the third way Buddhists, we saw qualities of humanity that ily, your town and your society as well. could inspire. Whilst Western protestors often couldn't help but hate the We are responsible not only for rest of their society, and many people bacame inured to the violence ourselves but also for our family, vil­ they were being shown on TV, both NLF and the third way people lage, district, country and planet earth on which we live. Therefore, sharing consistently stressed that they did not hate the American people. difficulties with people in the slums is Where many on the British Left backed the NLF, Peace News warned of part of our own responsibility. It is not the consequences of their programme of armed struggle—how it would that there is someone who gives and lead towards centralisation and hierarchical structures of organisation; someone who receives a gift. Sharing how it would lead to dependence on outside powers for the supply of difficulties is a common responsibility arms and heavy technology; how it would destroy the peasant way of for us all to help us overcome the dif­ ficulties of the family of human life. North Vietnam's General Glap,farfrom looking for victory through beings.” guerrilla warfare, sawthe neccessity ultimately of a regular army Although we shared the same concern winning by conventional means. for social justice as our compatriots in The nonviolent Buddhists took "the way which refuses to kill", and the NLF, we could not hate the soldiers actively resisted without spilling any blood except their own. Many on the government side. We knew that were imprisoned; many were killed; some set fire to themselves. Now, most o f the Saigon soldiers were il­ however, the government ignores their role in the liberation struggle literate young men who came from and seeks to monopolise all aspects of social administration. It is not poor peasant backgrounds. We knew seeking total State control of the economy yet, but to maintain private they were not cruel or mercenary by choice. Although we and they had been ownership of farms and factories operated "with the capital of the born in the same collective karma, we national bourgeoisie at home and foreign investments". In doing this, had had the chance to get an edu­ however, the government has actively suppressed socialist alternatives. cation, to learn many things and have a For instance, it disbanded a Buddhist co-operative farm, divided the better life. They had only known food, land up into plots, and then offered the plots for sale to the individuals salary and the necessity to risk their who had previously farmed them co-operatively. A typically Western lives and kill others in order to feed response by supporters of the Buddhists might be to condemn the new themselves and their families. Were we State and be indignant on the Buddhists' behalf. Here a Vietnamese not somehow responsible for the bad Buddhist responds differently. COLLECTIVE conditions they were forced to live in? We knew that these poor soldiers had been hired by some mysterious hand to The great joy of a peace waited for for interests of the people. Because of kill us. But we knew that if they had so long cannot prevent the deep that, these people who could not sup­ not been poor, not been illiterate, if anxiety we feel when discovering how port these governments sought other they knew who the real oppressors the socialist government is acting to­ ways to survive and to have a heart to were and who the oppressed are, if wards a community of devoted Budd­ live in such a society. Building strong they knew what we were doing, how hist workers who wish only to con­ Buddhist community for that purpose could they kill us? They would not be tribute all their energies to recon­ was the natural thing to do... able to because the buddha-hood lives structing our country and reconciling Surrounded by an artificial Western in each person. their compatriots. way of life, something inside me began In North Vietnam, the communist to revolt against it. But in trying to FAR-AWAY WAR-MAKERS government has never met with the reject all of it, I clung to Marxism as If we took weapons to join the guer­ kind of Buddhists that are in the the only way to solve the problems of rilla movement, who would be our first South. In the South, after colonisation, Vietnam. But then the war broke out in victims? It would be the weaponless there followed a series of governments my home province where the NLF was villagers, the peasants, because violent which in no way tried to look after the formed. Violent clashes started to take clashes always bring fire, bombs, bul- PEACE NEWS PEACE N INTS PEACE NEWS SO lets and death. We struggle to bring The Buddhist workers also rebuilt over to reach Washington through the justice to them and yet if we take up 40 villages destroyed by war. In the bodies of over a million of their arms, they will be our first victims. The period from 1965-75, they set up three brothers in the Saigon army. Violence war-makers are far away— in the USA, clinics, 370 medical centres in the vil­ only begat violence. in the USSR or China. lages and slums, 470 high schools, 1250 UNDERSTANDING Our beautiful land is scarred with over primary schools, 350 kindergartens 3 million bomb craters and strewn with After enduring nearly two years (1966- and school-homes to care for children unexploded bombs which still pose a -67) of different violent attacks, we from infant age up to 15 years. Having great threat. There are entire areas finally gained the understanding and chosen the nonviolent way in the midst that cannot grow food for over 100 support of soldiers on both warring of war, our friends have had to suffer years because of the chemical poisons sides. Whenever the Buddhist flag was death from grenades and bullets, have used in the war. The chemical poisons hung, both sides tried to avoid causing been put in jail and tortured— but our are still in our forests, our rivers and difficulties to the Buddhist social workers have never taken a life. in the bellies of the fish where they will workers and monks and nuns who were Some young Vietnamese people in 1960 continue to bring countless con­ trying to help people in those areas. thought that violent struggle is quick­ sequences to people. Suspicion, hatred From 1967 to 1975, the Buddhist flag er and that after winning the war the and anger have grown up everywhere. came to mean reconciliation and guerrillas will have the power to bring 800,000 children have been orphaned peace. Social workers who carried it social justice immediately to the op­ and more than 2 million have lost one were able to lead wounded persons pressed. Oh no— please don’t forget parent. These children have been left across fire zones to safety. that not only the Vietnamese who have to grow up without care, surrounded In 1974, Buddhist workers built over lived through these 30 years of war, by violence. They bring frightful wit­ seven resettlement centres in the but everyone who has a heart does not ness to this terrible war. And we are midst of war (the kind of centre which wish to see another Vietnam. To get rid not sure that the tons of Russian and the revolutionary government now of the US warmaker, the liberation Chinese weapons were borrowed with­ calls “Vung Kinh Te Moi”— New Eco­ movement in Vietnam had to use out incurring great debt. nomic Areas— has built three of them). Chinese and Russian weapons, trying SYMPATHY We think of the new government in Vietnam with great sympathy. How can they bear the burden of all these bitter fruits of the war? Life has become so unbearable that many have committed suicide. Perhaps this is because the new people responsible for the whole country are from the North and they do not yeat know the potential help of the Buddhists in the South. 10,000 Budd­ hist social workers and the fruits of their past works have been completely ignored by the new regime. Money raised for the realisation of recon­ struction projects has been blocked and Buddhist social workers are not allowed or encouraged to continue their work. This is one of the main reasons the revolution has not been able to advance yet. We have learned that Buddhist work­ ers are trying in the most humble and gentle way to make their ability to serve known to the new regime. They try to understand the common dif­ ficulties of the country and do not yet reproach the government. But that does not mean they go to sleep and let the government do everything without helping, observing and offering critic­ ism. We learned that the government has met with less difficulties in the rural areas and we are proud that thanks to the lessons in self-support and self­ change that our workers brought in order to change society from the base up, the government does not meet with difficulties when they invite people to participate in improving their own village. No more Vietnam* was taken from Seedi of Peace, a Thai Buddhist magazine. Since this was written, Vietnamese Buddhists have been subject to increasing harassment, imprisoned in some cases as American or Chinese spies. Anyone wishing to bring organisational or diplomatic pressure to bear should first contact: David Arnott, Buddhist Peace Fellowship, “ Gilletts”, Smarden Nr Ashford, Kent. EW S50 The eighth international lesbian conference in Geneva

The International Lesbian Information Service recently held its eighth There were other groups to whom the conference in Geneva. Here Fiver reports on the conference and the issues conference was not accessible: lesbian which it raised, particularly racism on the personal level, which seemed to mothers (and others) were surprised affect almost all aspects of the conference in some way. that no childcare was provided. And From the start the strange mixture of which unite us, which make it possible wimmin from the London-based group comparatively wealthy but also politic­ fo r 600 dykes from 30 countries to come GEMMA (for lesbians with and without ally aware Swiss lesbians organising together. disabilities) came to the conference to share their experiences, but were the conference became clear. There Racism was a main theme throughout was food organised in a wimmin's rest­ forced to spend most of their time talk­ all the workshops. For me it is a new ing about access (the university build­ aurant set up for the duration, but the subject, one that I haven't been con­ prices weren't on a sliding scale,and so ing has many stairs, and the lifts fronted with much before. I felt over­ weren't always working; there was no were unaffordable for some of us. whelmed, especially by how confron­ Neither negotiation nor confrontation sign language provision, texts weren't tational the discussion was. The or­ available in Braille). helped, and only a donation from ganising wim m in had invited 14 Black Geneva W im m in's Peace Camp made it and Asian lesbians, who felt they were AFFINITY possible for some of us to eat. only token blacks—the percentage of Only a few workshops emphasised our Entry to the conference was free, and so black lesbians present was so small— affinity, like the one for Latin American was the accommodation, but free an exotic addition rather than a sign lesbians, which decided to set up a meant staying in nuclear bunkers! that ILIS seriously put energy into open­ network and organise a lesbian con­ Switzerland has bunkers for 90% of its ing the conference to more than just ference in Mexico in summer 1987. And population and while they are not rich, white, able-bodied wimmin. a meeting of lesbian artists, where wim­ "needed" they are rented out as cheap CHALLENGING RACISM min tried to determine whether there accommodation for conferences. While are special lesbian ethics, redefined the for some activists the chance to have Racism was an issue in the workshop patriarchal concept of "fine art", asked free access to a nuclear bunker is what about "building and reinforcing the how much we should "come out" when they dream of, sleeping behind 16-inch international lesbian movement": wim­ exhibiting and how to educate the pub­ steel doors with constant fluorescent min said the workshop and the lesbian lic to accept our (lesbian) art. lights and filtered air reminded me too movement weren't truly international, much of Holloway prison. When it was because most information networks, NONJUDGEMENTAL mentioned at the opening plenary that newsletters and archives are English- In the final plenary we were asked to many wimmin couldn't bear staying in language and not easily accessible. listen to the statements being made the bunkers,local wimmin offered pri­ Therefore non-Western, non-English without judging them. The atmosphere vate accommodation. speaking lesbians aren't given a chance was calmer than in the opening ple­ to participate. In an ad hoc gathering of nary; the anger and frustration had FILMS BANNED white wimmin who wanted to confront changed to openness abd a willingness their racism we tried to make positive to accept other opinions. There was still The opening plenary also showed the suggestions about what we could do. more criticism of the part played by the atmosphere surrounding the confer­ When we were through blaming each organising wimmin. Nevertheless the ence: some lesbian films hadn't been other and the black wimmin for the lesbians who organised this conference allowed through Swiss customs, problem, and after sorting out the accomplished a major task. Throughout among them Broken mirrors (the latest English-language imperialism (by or­ all the discussions about what divides film by Marleen Gorres, who also made ganising Spanish translation), we came us, we must, as a Black womyn from the A question of silence). As w im m in from up with constructive ideas: to change United States put it, "keep in mind who different countries introduced them­ the constitution of the conference so our real oppressors are". that the next one will be more open to selves and spoke about their situation FIVER we heard over and over again, "There is all wimmin; to take personal respon­ sibility to challenge racism when we The secretariat of ILIS is rotated every year; the no lesbian organisation in our country, current address is: ILIS, 5 Boulevard St Georges, although lesbianism is not illegal, we see it; to give up the power we hold as 1205 Geneva, Switzerland. ILIS also produces a are being persecuted, we are invisible, privileged (white) wimmin. bulletin in English, French and Spanish. political refugees". Not only wimmin from countries like Chile, Mexico, Bangladesh and Thailand said that, but lesbians from Finland, France and Japan felt the same. A demonstration on the Saturday demanded the right of political asylum for lesbians, who are not officially recognised as political refugees. Near the beginning of the plenary a Swiss television crew (all male) walked in and started filming without even asking for permission. They had to be forcibly removed— many wimmin couldn't afford to have their pictures published as participants of a lesbian conference. UNITY OFTEN FORGOTTEN The conference's main aims were to "consolidate that which unites us (resis­ tance to patriarchy)" and "to dicuss that which divides us (racism, classism, ageism and other discriminating 'isms')". During the four days we mostly photo:Caroi seemed to forget that there are things We have covered the faces of women not known to the writer, a* it could be dangerous for them to be publicly associated with a lesbian conference. reviews What is needed is a good honest primer, and Greene, Percival and Ridge give us an exemplary treatment, informative and The cold facts readable. The more detailed scientific ex­ planations are set apart, to be skipped and NUCLEAR WINTER: THE EVIDENCE about. If the recorded past is so malleable, returned to later if preferred; while the text AND THE RISKS, Owen Greene, Ian what about the future? itself, though ultimately a grim litany of Percival & Irene Ridge (Polity Press) Writers on nuclear winter confront one “the human cost”, also frankly admits and £4.95. possible future. The importance of the thinks through the uncertainties built into Jonathan Schell, in his The Fate of the theory they discuss cannot be over­ models of the effects of nuclear war on Earth, speaks of the necessity of the peace estimated, since it promises to quell the climate and the consequent impact on movement becoming “historians of the idea of winnable nuclear war; it attracts species and ecosystems. The case for future”. Since it has always been possible supporters and opponents in just those nuclear winter as an outcome to atomic to count on more conventional historians quarters one would expect. The question warfare seems, finally, overwhelmingly to blow the dust off the same documents is: as students of the future, how do we made; as the authors say, “there is no and somehow come up with diametrically assess the arguments and the crucial but escape into bunkers in the ground or into opposed versions of the past, this is a indigestible scientific data underpinning the bunkers of the mind”. them? recommendation which needs thinking ALASDAIR PATERSON

are usually only seen by people already committed to nuclear disarmament, and What’s CND’s line? this one certainly doesn’t have enough intrinsic value to attract a wider audience. CHANCE OF A LIFETIME (Video— amused by the wearing of a radiation suit Can Trade Unions, Mothers’ Unions, youth VHS format), West Region CND (7 and gas mask by the “score girl”, muffling clubs and other community groups be per­ Quarrington Road, Bristol) £6.00 her speech (though it was a relief that she suaded to watch it? I doubt it. I can only including post and packing. wasn’t presented in the sexist way normal see this being used as a tool for those This video has been produced for use in to quiz shows). Anyone expecting to be already committed to CND, particularly CND’s “Basic Case” or “Extended Public amused by this video might have ended up those who are less involved and don’t Information Campaign” (EPIC). It presents bored instead. attented any meetings, to learn more of the a number of important facts about the Finally, I’m not sure who this video is facts. nuclear arms race using the format of a TV aimed at. In my experience, such videos auiz show. The use of a “quiz” to present facts makes them more interesting and accessible than if they were presented in a traditional documentary syle. Anyone watching this might discover, and remember, that five nuclear warheads are produced every day, that arms talks have not removed one single nuclear weapon, that many people have died since Nagasaki as a result of nuclear testing. A “commercial break” pro­ vides an opportunity for a different style of presentation: Matthew Kelly tries to sell us a “deterrent” burglar alarm which ex­ plodes if your house is burgled (you have two minutes to get out). Bill Owen tells us he’s been smoking for forty years and not had cancer, therefore smoking protects him from cancer. A “vox pop” shows us that people are frightened by nuclear weapons. If the quiz was intended to be funny, as the presentation suggested, then it failed for me. It wasn’t sufficiently “over the top” to distinguish it from the worst of the genuine quiz shows. And I was baffled rather then

that alternative way in an attempt to re­ “Work” alternatives verse the trend that has become a way of VERY NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET Though political theories and social ideas life under Thatcher and the Tories: from IT, edited by Collective Design Project are at the heart of the book, by reporting public ownership to private profit. That (Spokesman) £4.95. on real and existing projects, like the does not necessarily mean a return to tired Very Nice Work If You Can Get It is a initiatives of the GLC, Sheffield City old Labour Party ways. In her introduction, practical guide to socially useful pro­ Council and West Midlands County Audrey Wise makes a point that we should duction that invokes the aims of that Council, no charges of Utopian idealism not overlook in any of the fields of com­ movement, surveys the developments and can be levelled against the writers. munications, energy, transport, education, health or social services: argues against capitalist “logic” for A great strength of Very Nice Work as a economic growth. guide to the socially useful production A Labour Government needs to build relationships with workers as pro­ By being practical and relating the aims of debate is the enormity of its information socially useful production to the specific on contacts, research and work that it ducers of goods and services, to enable them to use their skills and knowledge needs in the 1980s that particular people contains— something many similar ven­ of their own needs as workers and have— young, old, black, white, women, tures of a practical nature lack. consumers. men, healthy and unfit, skilled and un­ As the editors state in their conclusion, skilled, oppressed and liberated— Very there is “no simple object, movement or That, it seems to me, is the inescapable Nice Work succeeds in mounting a project which completely contains and message and potential benefit of socially realistic challenge to profit motivated delimits the term socially useful pro­ useful production. production.______duction”. There is rather a need to think in IAN DUCKETT 16 Peace News 2 May 1986 ------ADVERTISEMENTS

HOW BRITAIN WAS SOLD why the US bases came to Britain by Andy Thomas and Ben Lowe, with a preface by Bruce Kent.

Latter! marked * have been shortened. Please keep your letters under 300 words so we can carry a wide variety of contributions without having to adit them.

MENWITH'S SECRETS on “anti-nuclear" cheques, to making a direct protest to the CEGB or local electricity In a couple of articles in Peace News I re­ board. ferred to Menwith Hill as the NATO Com­ Whilst the Campaign is still small in terms of munications Centre. It is not. Regrettably I numbers, it is growing rapidly. It offers the have been passing on the lie told to mem­ ordinary consumer, who might not have the bers of Otley Peace Action Group when we time or energy for more active opposition to were invited onto the base in 1983. I was nuclear power, the chance to make their brought up to believe what I was told and I protest felt. still find it tragic that lying appears to be a way of life for some people. Yours, working for a nuclear-free future Julie Wood The Americans working for the National Sec­ 11b Crogsland Rd urity Agency at Menwith Hill are running the London NW1 8AY world's largest satellite signals intelligence receiving terminal, hiding behind their MATERIALS NEEDED FOR PEACE "respectable" NATO smokescreen. It is the EXHIBITION The Peace News/Housmans CCCIs, the command, control, commun­ pamphlet that explains the story ication and intellegence centres which now Nonviolent Direct Action Group (NVDAG)— receive prime attention of nuclear weapons WRI Sri Lanka Section— has proposed to or­ behind Britain's "occupation" by the targeters as the military now realise that the ganise Peace Exhibitions, in observance of United States military. How and why huge arsenals can never be used without the International Year of Peace, in July 1986. the government agreed to the killing both themselves and their "enemies". NVDAG requests materials such as posters, permanent establishment of US So they are concentrating on obliterating the pamphlets, stickers, booklets, T-shirts etc. bases in Britain. Especially relevant lunatic brain—the C3ls. Please send what you have to the address today—essential reading for all While on the subject of Menwith, I have no below. peace groups! doubt that the 1985 Interception of K Jeevagathas Communications Act will have no effect Secretary, NVDAG Individual orders: send £1.20 plus whatsoever on the monolithic telephone PO Box 2 20p postage to Peace News, 8 Elm tappers at Menwith. If anyone has difficulty Chavakachcheri Avenue, Nottingham NG3 4GF. in obtaining "Phone-tappers and the security Sri Lanka state" by Duncan Campbell which contains Trade distributors: Housmans, 5 reprints of his articles in the New Statesman TURKEY—THE SICK MAN Caledonian Road, London N1 (01-837 and proves tapping beyond doubt, copies OF EUROPE* may be obtained from me for £1.20 at the 4473). Two recent letters in the Guardian drew address below. readers' attention to Turkey's appalling Love and peace record on human rights, particularly with Christine Dean regard to the members of the Turkish Peace CONWAY MEMORIAL LECTURE 5 Garnett St Association. Reading this made me look The 62nd Conway Memorial Lecture Otley more closely at an article which appeared in West Yorkshire will be given by Lord Fenner Brockway the German magazine Quick on November in the Large Hall at South Place Ethical 21, 1985. Entitled "Blackmail in Turkish", it CONSUMER CAMPAIGN gives details of a very sick set of negotiations Society, Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion currently under way between West Germany Square, London WC1R 4RL on Wednes­ In response to your article on Consumers Against Nuclear Energy (the Consumer and Turkey. day 21st May 1986, at 7.00 pm. His Campaign) in Peace News April 4, the In the economic boom of the 1960s, an subject will be “Moncure Conway, his contact address for anyone wishing to learn agreement was signed between the Euro­ life and his message for today!” The more about the Campaign is: PO Box 697, pean Economic Community (EEC) and Chairman will be Michael Foot, MP. London NW1 8YQ. Turkey, the provisions of which would allow Everybody Welcome. Also, I would like to correct the impression Turks total freedom to seek work in EEC given in your article that only people willing countries after 22 years, coming into effect to withhold a proportion of their electricity on December 1, 1986. bill can become involved in the Campaign— As 90% of Turks who enter EEC countries go we are currently trying to broaden our act­ to West Germany, the West Germans are ivities, and many of our supporters, who very concerned about the effect this possible either can't or don't wish to withhold, show influx of Turks might have on their economy their opposition to nuclear power in other and society. West Germany considers the gpeaeem eaC ways. These vary from paying electricity bills Turks to be among the most disruptive and

yell / never It's '*>/' ju s* /wg • » - Noont toid me -that. a+ last /understand.. Qoct '.women a c t H e d f a

p ro b a b ly t Hhot's «P rfunflO" t im e o f the Month

£:kin« (ross £ 1 0 - 6 - 3 0 M -S ff difficult to integrate of its foreign workers potential if each openly supported the efforts and has already made great efforts to re­ of other groups within its community. patriate as many as possible. I believe the time has come when we must An added complication is the general elec­ recognise that endless snippets about peace tion in West Germany next year. If the movements and rights campaigners are not present government fails to prevent a flood going to offset the power of the trans­ of Turks arriving in December 1986 and early nationals and international financial in­ January 1987, their chance of election suc­ stitutions which mock the sovereignty of any cess will be considerably reduced. democratic government. In particular, the Turkey therefore feels itself in quite a strong military/industrial/technocrat complex has position to exert some pressure on West made us all accessories to the state butchery Germany. In return for promises to limit in Tripoli just as we have been to the state and/or postpone the influx of Turkish job­ terrorism in Latin America, Central America, seekers, the Turks are prepared to accept the Pacific Basin, Southern Africa... (before Dec 1) 7 thousand million Marks Our government is typical of the elite which Go§) worth of weaponry (currently C3.50DM to rules any Third World commercial colony, G il £1), including 40 Tornado aircraft and 150 and despite all the hot air spilled by the Leo 2 tanks. Two further conditions are that Labour Party, they can change nothing; the Turks already in West Germany must be Alliance cannot make up its mind whether it treated as full citizens of the EEC, and that actually wants to change anything. At home Down at Greenham the other day, Germany must press for Turkey's accept­ the social fabric is being torn asunder. Earwig was idly toasting her lentil- ance as a candidate for the Community, des­ Unless we get together, forget our tribal burger against the fence when a pite the fact that the European Parliament loyalties and use our collective strength to recently decided this was not acceptable sudden wave of nausea struck her. manipulate the democratic process we have "Must be the zapping again" she because of its record on human rights. left to us and so to change the course of In return West Germanyu will also get the government, we shall fall prey either to our thought, and so she asked a passing right to train test pilots over Turkey and the social divisions or to those whom we have Gl whether she was being bombar­ West German army will get brand new re­ bled so long—always assuming the mush­ ded with microwaves. "Gee no", he placements for all the weaponry exported to room does not get us first. said, reassuringly, "we're just irrad­ Turkey. As usual, it looks as though the only We need communication to share awareness iating you to keep you fresh.'' Earwig people to benefit from this whole sorry and mutual confidence. Where else can we removed herself and the charred len- episode will be the arms manufacturers. look for this apart from PN? tilburger to a safe distance. Hazel Costello Yours in peace—temporarily—and not too 17 Lisker Avenue much hope Otley Cyril Appleton West Yorks LS21 1DG Frome, Butts Meadow Still at Greenham, it seems that Mr J Lower Hardres Thompson, Sales Director of Canterbury CT4 5NU USING OUR COLLECTIVE Gateway Books Ltd, 11 Newarke STRENGTH* Street, Leicester, has come to an arrangement with the USAF to run a I would like to suggest that PN considers MOWLEM AND MILITARISM bookshop inside the base for two widening its scope—and hence its circu­ Further to Helen Trask's article about the lation. Revolution—peaceful or otherwise— days a week. It's good to hear of such militarism and racism in the Indian Ocean attempts to spread culture and liter­ has to get down to thinking how one gets [PN March 21), readers may be interested in from here to there. One gets the impression the activities of the international construct­ acy among the forces of occupation. that PN does not look far beyond the strict ion firm, John Mowlem. Perhaps local peace protestors might confines of a hierarchical society; there ap­ like to make some suggestions to Mr pears a tendency to look for salvation in one Not only have they been awarded a major contract at Molesworth, but they are also Thompson as to suitable reading particular contender in the party power matter for the Greenham men? struggle. working on the US naval facilities in Diego Garcia. It would be interesting to know if Yet every community action group or protest Mowlem's work in Diego Garcia is in line movement is confronting a common enemy- with the terms of the UK lease of the islands —concentrated power. If PN could provide a to the USA. Meanwhile readers could let the forum for all these movements so that their Earwig thought for a moment that company know what is happening in Diego the campaign for the rights of other common interest becomes apparent to all, Garcia. The head office is at Foundation we might get somewhere. With a network of House, Eastern Rd, Bracknell, Berks RG12 species had been dramatically exten­ peace and similar groups, it would be no 2UZ. ded when she heard that a green­ great problem to arouse awareness of the Yours for justice and peace grocer's shop in Coventry had had its Dave Pybus windows smashed by animal rights 17 Bader Close activists. But it turned out that the W estwood shop was owned by the same man PEACE CAMP CONTACTS: Peterborough PE3 7JZ as the butcher's shop next door— he'd already boarded up the latter as FASLANE PEACE CAMP, below St a precaution against attacks, which Andrew's School, Shandon, nr Helens­ FACING UP TO VIOLENCE seem to be happening regularly in burgh, Dunbartonshire, tel Rhu (0436) I am afraid I am not a pacifist. I read Peace 820901. News as a voyeur on another belief-system. Coventry. Ten other shops—all GREENHAM COMMON WOMEN'S An outsider's view of one's activities is often selling meat—had their windows PEACE CAMP, outside USAF Greenham valuable, so I hope you will take this as smashed the same weekend. Common, Newbury, Berks. constructive. MOLESWORTH: Earth Camp and Peace I cannot let the most significant item you Corner Camp, Peace Corner, Old Weston have published slip into obscurity. Boffo's Rd, Brington, nr Huntingdon description of the violence experienced by Earwig's award for the least snappy hunt saboteurs has been completely in­ headline of the year goes to a recent MENWITH HILL PEACE CAMP, outside adequately dealt with—handling this ques­ US Spy Base, Menwith-with-Darley, nr press release from the School of Peace tion is the fundamental problem of your Studies at the University of Bradford Harrogate, North Yorks; or Chressy, tel beliefs. It is the same as the What about (0532) 576569. which announced: "Conventional H itler and the What about the Russians ques­ Balance of Forces not as BISHOPSCOURT PEACE CAMP, outside tions. There are people who are natural vio­ RAF Bishopscourt, Ballyhouran, nr Down­ Disadvantageous to the West as lent aggressors—as Boffo found, real no Traditionally Supposed Says New patrick, Co Down; or Rob Fairmichael, tel holds barred violence rapidly makes theory Study". It's not quite as catchy as the Belfast (0232) 647106. irrelevant. Is pacifism ultimately a viable res­ Sun's appalling "Thrilled to Blitz!” last UPPER HEYFORD PEACE CAMP, Port­ ponse? Peggy Owen suggests they give up, week, is it? away, Camp Rd, Upper Heyford, Oxon; or what sort of response is that? It's an option tel Steve Chasey (Steeple Aston) 40321. that might not be available in other situ­ CRUISEWATCH, PO Box 28, Newbury, ations. Berks; or Campaign ATOM, tel (0865) Come on, let's not conveniently forget this 726441. too uncomfortable problem. From my point POLARISWATCH, d o Campaign ATOM, of view pacifism only works in a civilised 34 Cowley Rd, Oxford; or tel Janet society with humanitarian rules, and that Convery, CND, 01-250 4010. you can't bank on; it's a luxury. These are long-term addresses only. For Yours faithfully details of temporary camps and contact Roger J Morgan addresses, see At the Bases, page 4. 15a Kensington Court Gardens EARWIG London W8 5QF OXLEAS WOOD THREAT PEACE PENTECOST DEMO The main event of Christian CND's Peace Pentecost this The government's controversial year will take place in Glas­ East London River Crossing road gow on Saturday May 17: a scheme would mean increased procession through the city f £ 0 \ O k pollution and congestion, the will lead to a rally and service loss of homes, and also the des­ on Glasgow Green at 2pm; a truction of a tract of ancient woodland—Oxleas wood, in festival with music, dancing Eltham—which is important for etc will happen in the evening. V For those in the far south, both scientific and recreational there will be a procession reasons. As part of the campaign LOW-LEVEL RADIATION CONFERENCE from Aldermaston to Burgh­ against the new highway, Friends There is to be a (second) national conference on the health effects of field. Throughout the week­ of the Earth has organised a pic­ low-level radiation in Barrow, Cumbria, on June 14,15. The aim is to end, a peace convoy will provide an open forum in which members of the public and "nuclear nic and demonstration at Oxleas Meadow on Sunday May 11 at travel from Burghfield along workers" can discuss these effects, with specific emphasis on one of the routes of the Polaris 2pm. The area is only 10 minutes human-made radionucleides. The idea will be to put a complicated convoy, with various events walk from Falconwood BR subject in layperson's terms, whilst at the same time drawing on happening at bases and towns expert knowledge. station. For those wanting to cycle to the on the way. The convoy is due to arrive in Glasgow on the Speakers will include epidemiologist Alice Stewart, a radiobiologist, site, meet at 11.30am at the evening of Sunday May 18, a GP from the Windscale area, and a Japanese geneticist. The National Theatre cafe, near when there will be a vigil conference fee is £5. Further information from: Cumbrians Opposed Waterloo Bridge, London SE1. to a Radioactive Environment (CORE), 80 Church Street, Barrow- The picnic will include bands, outside the MoD building. On Mondaythe convoy will con­ in-Furness, Cumbria (tel B-in-F 33851). speakers, children's games and tinue up to Coulport (see maybe even a chance to hear the wood St, London N1 7JG (tel 01- birds singing. For more in­ pp10-11 if you don't know LONG MARCH FOR PEACE what's happening there!), 250 4010). formation, contact: Sarah Clarke, Bruce Kent, Vice-Chair of CND, is where there will be worship FoE "C ities fo r People" cam­ to undertake a "Long March" NICARAGUAN THEATRE and actions. For more details from the nuclear submarine base paigner, 377 City Rd, London EC1 of this busy weekend contact at Faslane to the nuclear Teatro Teyocoyani, one of Nic­ (tel 01-837-0731). Christian CND at 22-24 Under­ weapons factory at Burghfield (a aragua's foremost theatre com­ w ood St, London N1 7JG (tel distance of about 500 miles) from panies, is about to embark on a 01-250 4010). June 30 to August 6—Hiroshima British tour. Their theatre— Day. The march will make the musical, educational and PERSPECTIVES ON PEACE links between disarmament and political—celebrates the indig­ The Concord Films Council is sponsoring a weekend conference world development, with pro­ enous culture of Nicaragua and entitled "Perspectives on Peace" as a contribution to International ceeds from sponsorship going to the struggle of the Nicaraguan Year of Peace. It is also to mark the 40th anniversary of the United CND and War on Want. By fol­ people for self-determination. Nations Association in this country, which works to build support lowing the route from Faslane to They will be performing in Dept­ for the ideals of the UN itself. Burghfield, Bruce Kent also ford (May7-9), Stockwell (May The conference will take place near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on hopes to draw attention to the 15), Cardiff (May 16-17), Birm ing­ the weekend of July 4-6; themes will include the future of the UN, Polaris warhead convoys whose ham (May 21), and Glasgow (May and the role of the UNA. The cost of the weekend, including existence the government still 23-24). For further information residential charges, will be £35, though there may be unwaged denies. Further information is contact: Andy Wood, tel 01-853 reductions. Further details from: Concord Films Council, 201 available from CND, 22-24 Under­ 5801. Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, Suffolk (tel Ipswich 715754).

NO TO RADIOACTIVE SISTERS VVVVVVVV WASTE Sisters is the journal of the National Assembly of Women Humberside County Council has (NAW), and stands for Sister­ come out strongly against the hood and International solid­ government's policy of expand­ arity to End Racism and sex­ ing the nuclear power pro­ ism, It reports on women's TOOLS gramme, and in particular struggles for equality and lib­ against their nuclear waste dumping proposals—one of the eration throughout the world. NAW itself was founded in proposed sites. South for change 1952, its aim is "the full social, Killingholme, is in Humberside. economic, legal, political and &AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA They have brought out an emerg­ cultural independence and ency edition of their newsletter, equality of all women", and w ith a petition and an anti­ MEN OVERCOMING THE RIGHT TO BE HERE has an impressive list of cam­ dumping postcard (the Depart­ paigning priorities, tackling VIOLENCE The above is the title of a newly- ment of the Environment is re­ A Manchester MOVE(Men Over­ published campaigning guide to work, health, education, pub­ ceiving them by the sackful), and lic spending cuts, immigration coming Violence) support group, the immigration laws, produced stickers—eight sheets of badge laws and disarmament. Con­ inspired by the Bristol group (see by the Anti-Deportation Working size ones available for £1. They the article in PN January 24) are Group of the late lamented GLC. tact: Elsie Watson, NAW, 20 have appointed a campaign Watson Rd, Sheffield S10 2SD meeting weekly to discuss and It answers such questions as: manager. Bob Hallas, tel 0482 (tel 0742 686845). confront male violence, both in what the laws actually say, where 860323, and a special subcom- themselves and in society. They to get practical advice, how does mitttee. For further details con­ feel it crucial to deal w ith the links the threat of deportation affect tact Humberside County Council, DUTCH ANTI-CRUISE between individual and structural black people in Britain, and what County Hall, Beverley, North COURT CASE violence, the areas they wish to are the political implications of Humberside (tel 0482 867131). work in are: one-to-one couns­ different types of campaigning? It Legal proceedings were started elling for violent men who wish will be distributed free to people in the Netherlands in November to change; running work-shops; threatened by deportation, and to RECLAIM THE DESERT 1984 by 20,000 plaintiffs— and visiting youth clubs to talk groups organising against it. The International Society for the individuals and organisations— about the issue. For further Copies can be ordered from Planting and Protection of Trees against the Dutch state. The writ details contact Neil, 73 Dorset King's Cross Women's Centre, 71 (founded in Kenya in 1922, and demands that plans for deploying Ave, Fallowfield, Manchester Tonbridge St, London WC1. somewhat right-offly titled "The or using cruise missiles in the Netherlands be stopped, on a M14 7WR. Please send 59p for postage, don­ Men of the trees), has launched ations also welcome. an appeal for funds. They want to wide range of grounds based on train volunteers in agroforestry, Dutch and international law. BILINGUAL FICTION the growing of trees alongside The court case is working its way Side by Side is a small publishing company committed to prod­ crops, and send them to work through the Dutch legal system. ucing multicultural reading material for children. Running Away, with villagers in North Africa. An English version of the case their first title, is available in either Bengali, Gujarati, Turkish or Their ultimate aim is to restore submitted, Writ of Summons, is Urdu, each with English on the opposite page. The books can be the land's fertility, turn back the now available for £7.50 from: used as picture storybooks; as an aid to someone learning any of advancing deserts, thus enabling Housmans Bookshop Mail Order, the languages; for a class of mixed language pupils, so they can people to grow their own crops 5 Caledonian Rd, Kings Cross, all enjoy the same book; or to enable parents unfamiliar with and feed themselves. For further London N1 (tel 01-837 4473). It written English to get involved with their children's reading. information w rite to TREE 2000, should be useful for those using Cassette tapes of the books are also available, from Side by Side, PO Box 64, Crawley, West Sussex legal tactics as part of their anti- 90 Palatine Rd, London N16 8SY (tel 01-249 0805).______RH104GH. nuclear campaigning.

Collection Number: AG1977

END CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN (ECC)

PUBLISHER: Publisher:- Historical Papers Research Archive Location:- Johannesburg ©2013

LEGAL NOTICES:

Copyright Notice: All materials on the Historical Papers website are protected by South African copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise published in any format, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

Disclaimer and Terms of Use: Provided that you maintain all copyright and other notices contained therein, you may download material (one machine readable copy and one print copy per page) for your personal and/or educational non-commercial use only.

People using these records relating to the archives of Historical Papers, The Library, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, are reminded that such records sometimes contain material which is uncorroborated, inaccurate, distorted or untrue. While these digital records are true facsimiles of paper documents and the information contained herein is obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable, Historical Papers, University of the Witwatersrand has not independently verified their content. Consequently, the University is not responsible for any errors or omissions and excludes any and all liability for any errors in or omissions from the information on the website or any related information on third party websites accessible from this website.

This document is part of a collection held at the Historical Papers Research Archive at The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.