The Celtic League Secretary General has said in correspondence to British Defence Secretary Des Browne that the recently leaked document about Operation Banner illustrates the colonial mindset of British occupation forces in Ireland from 1969-2006. Rhisiart Tal-e-bot says the study on Operation Banner which is obviously designed as a military staff college text should be withdrawn (see below).

"Dear Minister Des Browne

Operation Banner: An analysis of Military Operations in Northern Ireland

Having read the above document on the The Pat Finucane Centre (PFC) website, (voir le site) , and taking into consideration General Sir Mike Jackson's comments in the introduction of the document, I am dismayed by the omissions in the text and the general lack of objectivity shown.

General Sir Mike Jackson says that the publication is "a reflection" on the campaign in Northern Ireland. The report however displays an obvious lack of sensitivity to the families of the Catholic communities that were adversely affected by the British army's conduct, in the implementation of the military tactics used. Despite what General Sir Jackson says, the only lessons that will be deduced by the discerning reader of this document are that the British army makes no pretence about its role and function in Northern Ireland between 1969 and 2006 and that it has not lost its colonial mindset.

Many of the different operations and tactics perused by the British army during this period in Northern Ireland were indeed mistakes and demonstrated a lavish disregard for peace. 'Operation Demetrius' used brutality and ill treatment against those that were interned, 'Operation Motorman' accelerated the violence and clearly showed that the British army was standing up for the rights of the Loyalist Protestant community and the wholehearted support the army gave to the RUC contributed hugely to the mistrust people felt towards the Northern Irish authorities.

As General Sir Jackson further states, the 'immediate tactical lessons of Operation Banner' have been exported elsewhere in the world and can be seen today in Afghanistan and Iraq, but it is evident that the British army has not learnt from its mistakes and continues to implement its devastating strategies. The mistakes the British army made in Northern Ireland and therefore being repeated elsewhere, because of the publication and confidentiality of reports such as Operation Banner.

The Celtic League supports the PFC in calling for this document to be withdrawn. The MoD may not have intended the text to be read by the public, but in placing it in the public domain the PFC has provideda service that succeeds where the British army has obviously failed - the search for the truth.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot"

See also Celtic News article at:

(voir le site)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

18/07/07

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