Britain 'Prepared to Use Nuclear Weapons': Defense Chief

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, March 21, 2002

Britain 'Prepared to Use Nuclear Weapons': Defense Chief

Britain was prepared to use nuclear weapons against states such as Iraq if they ever used " weapons of mass destruction" against British troops in the field, said Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon on Wednesday.
Hoon told the MPs that he was not certain Britain's nuclear arsenal would deter a first strike from a state willing to sacrifice its own people to make a "gesture".

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No Evidence Weapons Acquired by Any Terrorist Group

According to BBC report, Hoon also told MPs the possibility of terrorists acquiring weapons of mass destruction was a cause for "real anxiety" and something "we would have to guard against very seriously".

However, he stressed, there was no evidence that any terrorist group had so far acquired such weapons and the prospect of terrorists acquiring ballistic missiles was not considered a major threat.

Hoon on Threat by 4 Countries

Hoon was briefing MPs on the threat posed by four countries identified by Britain as "states of concern" -- Iraq, Iran, Libya and the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK).

"There are clearly some states who would be deterred by the fact that the UK possesses nuclear weapons and has the willingness and ability to use them in appropriate circumstances," he told the Commons defense select committee.

Hoon refused to be drawn on the extent of Britain's involvement in the development of the U.S. missile defense.

No Request from US Received

The U.S. has made clear that it wants to see territory of its friends and allies protected from emerging missile threats

In a statement, he told the committee: "We have so far received no requests from the United States for the use of sites in the UK for missile defense purposes. We do not know exactly what might be involved in any such requests nor when they might be made."

"If we are asked to make such a decision we will of course do so on the basis of our own national interest," he added.

He said that would include Britain's own national security, which includes the "security interests of our closest ally".

China Demands Official and More Clear Explanation on US Nuclear Weapon Report

China is waiting for "official" and "more clear-cut" explanation from the US side on the possible use of nuclear weapons against China and six other countries. Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi made the above remarks at a regular press conference held by the ministry. (In Detail)

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