Government and Military

Ministry of Defence

Main Building

Whitehall

London

SW1A 2HB

5th August 1998

Dear Ms Zelter

Thank you for your letter of 19 May to the Secretary of State, setting out Trident Ploughshares 2000’s objectives and seeking a meeting with Ministers or Officials. I have been asked to reply.

As you know the Government has honoured its election manifesto pledge to retain Trident. Since May 1997, the Government has considered its nuclear policy carefully as part of the Strategic Defence Review. You will be aware of the changes that will be introduced as a result. The Government has also made consistently clear its commitment to the goal of global elimination of nuclear weapons. The Review sets out the range of practical measures towards that end and progress on arms control is an important objective of the Government’s foreign and defence policy.

The Government does not believe that setting arbitrary deadlines for the elimination of nuclear weapons without reference to the broader security environment represents a realistic or practical approach. While large nuclear arsenals and risks of proliferation remain, the United Kingdom’s minimum nuclear deterrent remains a necessary element of British security. The Government is confident that the United Kingdom’s entirely defensive deterrent posture is consistent with international law.

The Government strongly upholds the right of anyone to demonstrate peacefully in support of the causes in which they believe. Criminal activity is however totally unacceptable. Trident Ploughshares has stated publicly, and on a number of occasions, intentions to commit criminal acts. Unless Trident Ploughshares 2000 is prepared to confine itself to legitimate methods of protest and not encourage military personnel to refuse their legitimate duties, it will not be possible to arrange the meeting you requested.

Yours sincerely

S M Gillespie

Commander Royal Navy

Military Assistant.

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