-Caveat Lector-
>From http://www.observer.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,722395,00.html
}}}>Begin
US plan to strike enemy with Valium
Pentagon scientists aim for future battlefield victories with the aid of tranquillising
drugs and GM bugs
Antony Barnett, public affairs editor
Sunday May 26, 2002
The Observer
American military chiefs are developing plans to use Valium as a potential weapon
against enemy forces and to control hostile populations, according to official
documents seen by The Observer.
The Pentagon has also asked scientists to evaluate proposals to use genetically
modified bugs that 'eat' the enemy's fuel and ammunition supplies without harming
humans.
The development of these 'non-lethal' weapons angers campaigners who claim that
they would breach international treaties on biological and chemical weapons.
US documents reveal that two years ago the Pentagon commissioned scientists at
Pennsylvania State University to look at potential military uses for a range of
chemicals known as calmatives. The scientists concluded that several drugs would
be effective to control crowds or in military operations such as anti-terrorist
campaigns. The drugs they recommended for 'immediate consideration' included
diazepam, better known as the tranquilliser Valium, and dexmedetomidine, used to
sedate patients in intensive care. The scientists advised that these drugs can
'effectively act on central nervous system tissues and produces a less anxious, less
aggressive, more tranquil-like behaviour'.
Other official documents reveal how genetically engineered micro-organisms to
destroy equipment but not harm troops are also being considered by US military
scientists as 'non-lethal' weapons. One proposal from the Office of Naval Research
in Arlington, Virginia, proposes creating genetically modified bugs that would corrode
roads and runways and produce 'targeted deterioration of metal parts, coatings and
lubricants of weapons vehicles and support equipment as well as fuels'.
This group of scientists has already patented micro-organisms that would
decompose polyurethane, 'a common component of paint for ships and aircraft'.
Another proposal from a biotech laboratory at Brooks air force base in Texas was to
modify 'anti-material biocatalysts' already under development. One of these breaks
down fuels and plastics.
Most of the research was funded by Washington's joint non-lethal weapons
programme, in which Britain plays an active part. But further US documents, also
seen by The Observer, reveal how a split has developed between the two nations,
with British officials backing campaigners' claims that using drugs such as Valium or
other calmatives would be outlawed under the 1991 Chemical Weapons Convention.
This protocol prohibits 'any chemical which... can cause death, temporary
incapacitation or permanent harm'.
A report of a meeting in the Ministry of Defence's headquarters in London in
November 2000 states: 'The US and UK interpret the Chemical Weapons
Convention (CWC) differently regarding riot control agents (RCA). The UK
interpretation considers them to be chemical weapons under the CWC and thus
proscribed; the US view is that they are not banned under that agreement. This could
lead to difficulties in combined operations in certain circumstances, a situation
compounded by the fact that the UK is a signatory to the European Convention of
Human Rights, which further governs the use of NLW [non-lethal weapons].'
Some experts believe the use of genetically-modified microbes in military operations
would breach the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.
Ed Hammond of the Sunshine Project - the US campaigners against biological and
chemical weapons that obtained the documents - said: 'What is absolutely shocking
about these disclosures is that it represents either a massive institutional failure to
implement US commitments under international treaties or it reflects an effort by
some people in the Pentagon to undermine those treaties.'
A US military spokesman has denied that the Pentagon is developing 'non-lethal'
biological or chemical weapons.
A spokesman from the Foreign Office said: 'There are discussions between Britain
and the US on all sorts of technical issues. But we both share a commitment to
comply with all the international conventions governing chemical and biological
weapons.'
Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2002
End<{{{
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forwarded as information only; no automatic endorsement
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material
is distributed without charge or profit to those who have
expressed a prior interest in receiving this type of information
for non-profit research and educational purposes only.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe
simply because it has been handed down for many generations. Do not
believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do
not believe in anything simply because it is written in Holy Scriptures. Do not
believe in anything merely on the authority of Teachers, elders or wise men.
Believe only after careful observation and analysis, when you find that it
agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all.
Then accept it and live up to it."
The Buddha on Belief, from the Kalama Sutta
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will
teach you to keep your mouth shut."
--- Ernest Hemingway
<A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A>
DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER
==========
CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic
screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are
sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis-
directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with
major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought.
That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and
always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no
credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply.
Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector.
========================================================================
Archives Available at:
http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html
<A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html";>Archives of
[EMAIL PROTECTED]</A>
http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/
<A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/";>ctrl</A>
========================================================================
To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Om
