The US Government today tells Evening Press readers why it is determined to research a missile defence system which could have North Yorkshire in a central role.
The American Embassy has written directly to the newspaper after President George W Bush was given an edition featuring the front page headline "NO to Son of Star Wars."
It was delivered to him as he met with Prime Minister Tony Blair in London, along with a letter from editor Liz Page explaining why the Evening Press has taken a stance against his plans.
The same letter was delivered to Mr Blair. His Government has yet to respond.
President Bush is believed to be considering using North Yorkshire military bases at RAF Fylingdales and Menwith Hill in a system designed to shoot attacking missiles out of the sky.
But the Evening Press made it clear to him that North Yorkshire is not prepared to risk becoming a prime target for 'rogue states' intent on attacking the west.
The letter, written by the US Embassy's press attache Lee McClenny, argues that any use of the bases would not put North Yorkshire at greater risk of attack by America's enemies.
In fact, it suggests, it would make the region safer because of increased protection that would be needed to safeguard the system.
And, although he denies any approach has been made to the British Government to use Fylingdales or Menwith Hill, he says work to develop the defence system will be carried out.
He outlines the reasons why the US Government believes Son of Star Wars is essential for security, and says: "This is the basis for the US Government's decision to proceed with testing and development of such a defensive system."The letter's content has immediately been disputed by opponents of Son of Star Wars.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Phil Willis, whose constituency includes Menwith Hill, criticised the claims that North Yorkshire would receive increased protection if county bases played a part.
"That is an amazing response," he said.
"Every defence system needs its own protection, which will mean escalation of re-armament.
"If Fylingdales or Menwith Hill are used in this system, we will see that re-armament right here in the heart of North Yorkshire."
And he said America appeared to be pushing ahead with its own proposals with no thought for the rest of the world.
"There has been no discussion with allies, with Russia or China, about how we make a post-Cold War world a safer place to live in," he said.
"A great fear of America's is the 'rogue states', but there needs to be a world response to that.
"At the moment, it is very much my concern that the Americans are not discussing things. Instead they are saying here's the menu, but there's only one course on it."
Veteran peace campaigner Anni Rainbow, who has long opposed the American base at Menwith Hill, said: "Their argument does not go very far in allaying genuine concerns, and to try to clothe it with words of peace and security is unforgivable.
"To try and hoodwink us into thinking it makes us safer when it makes a whole new layer of war weaponry is totally unrealistic."
Updated: 09:23 Monday, August 13, 2001
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