Government and Military

30 June 1998

Rear Admiral Mike Gregory

Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England, Northern Ireland

Commander Clyde Naval Base

Faslane

Helensburgh

Dear Rear Admiral Gregory,

You may be aware of Trident Ploughshares 2000 and its commitment to help citizens to attempt peaceful, safe and accountable disarmament of the British Trident-based nuclear weapon system. This work will begin at the Faslane base on the 11th of August unless there is a clear commitment from Her Majesty’s Government to undertake the disarmament itself and to commit itself to a non-nuclear security policy, or, alternatively, if those practically involved in operating the system make clear their refusal to continue to do so. We are attempting to engage HMG in dialogue on the issue and to do what we can to discuss with those practically involved the moral and legal implications of the British nuclear weapons system. In this context your role is a key one since the day-to-day operation of the system depends on your active compliance. We ask you to consider the legal implications. We refer you to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (July 1996) which held that the threat or use of nuclear weapons is generally contrary to international humanitarian law. As part of that judgment the ICJ stated that " methods and means of warfare which would preclude any distinction between civilian and military targets, or which would result in unnecessary suffering to combatants are prohibited. In view of the unique characteristics of nuclear weapons, . . . the use of such weapons is scarcely reconcilable with respect for such requirements." That Britian’s Trident system fits that description is beyond all reasonable question. While we do not wish to brand you, either actually or potentially, as a war criminal, we have a duty to point out to you that under the Nuremburg Principles it will be no defence to say, at a future International War Crimes Tribunal, that you were only "obeying orders", or to take refuge in the Government’s specious interpretation of the ICJ’s ruling. On the day it will be a matter of individual responsibility.

We would also appeal to you as a human being with a conscience and an independent mind. The Royal Navy has an honourable record of respect for the laws of war, which demand a commitment to proportionate response, regard for the principles of non-combatant immunity, and the avoidance of excessive suffering on the part of enemy combatants. That tradition can only be restored and maintained if officers in positions such as your own recognise the supremacy of the moral argument and refuse to collude further with systems of mass destruction.

Of course, much much more is at stake. Will we continue to live under the terrible threat of unimaginable suffering, the very destruction of all human life and the end of the planet itself as a viable biosphere, since every moment that passes increases the risk and likelihood of a nuclear disaster, accidental or otherwise. The uncomfortable truth is that you are placed at the precise point where the critical ways diverge.

We invite you to meet with us for an urgent discussion of these matters. Yours sincerely,

Trident Ploughshares 2000

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