National Missile Defence (NMD) - or "Son of Star Wars"

• National Missile Defence (NMD) is a system for the protection of the US against a missile attack.
• Theoretically it detects, tracks and shoots down incoming missiles before they reach the US.
• In practice, however, in the tests held so far, it has failed to intercept missiles accurately.
• More importantly, it represents a serious escalation of the arms race as, if successful, if would increase the ability of the US to carry out a first strike nuclear attack.
• It is in clear contravention of the Anti-ballistic Missile Treaty which the US signed with Russia in 1972.
• The system requires two bases in Britain to be upgraded - Menwith Hill and Fylingdales, both in Yorkshire. The US requires the permission of the British Government to upgrade its facilities there. This permission has now been granted.
• The system is not intended to afford protection to Britain, only to the US. At the same time, however, Menwith Hill and Fylingdales will become clear targets for attack.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

contact : Yorkshire CND: Tel: 01274 730795 E-mail: cndyorks@gn.apc.org