– Dorothy – 13/2/98
A response to the suggestion that nuclear weapons may be used against Iraq. An extract from the 2 February statement by General Lee Butler USAF (Ret), CinC Strategic Command 1991-94 in charge of all US nuclear targeting, now turned nuclear abolitionist. He gave it when launching a statement for abolition by 117 political leaders, including Gorbachev, Carter, Lord Callaghan, Michel Rocard, and David Lange & Sir Geoffrey Palmer.
He was speaking at the National Press Club.
“What better illustration of the misplaced faith in nuclear deterrence than the persistent belief that retaliation with nuclear weapons is a legitimate and appropriate response to post-Cold War threats posed by weapons of mass destruction. What could possibly justify our resort to the very means we properly abhor and condemn? Who can imagine our joining in shattering the precedent of non-use that has held for over fifty years? How could America’s irreplacable role as leader of the campaign against nuclear proliferation ever be re-justified? What target would warrent such retaliation? Would we hold an entire society accountable for the decision of a single demented leader? How would the physical effects of the nuclear explosion be contained, not to mention the political and moral consequences? In a singular act we would martyr our enemy, alienate our friends, give comfort to the non-declared nuclear states and impetus to states who seek such weapons covertly. In short, such a response on the part of the United States is inconceivable. It would irretrievably diminish our priceless stature as a nation noble in aspiration and responsible in conduct, even in the face of extreme provocation.”
The General also elaborated on this point in the question and answer period. A transcript can be read at http://www.npc.org
Comment from Rob Green in Christchurch I would add that using a nuclear weapon to try to deal with chemical or biological weapons would:
- be illegal;
- cause radioactive fallout (especially a strike against an underground storage site).
Go to People Making Changes 11 to 15 and read the extraordinary story of how
Rob changed from trained nuclear killer to peace activist.
Read too about General Lee Butler’s visit to New Zealand in 1997.
