The British Government is certain to come under pressure following the ruling this week by an Australian coroner that five television journalists, including Malcolm Rennie, a Scot, and Bristol-born Brian Peters, 26, were killed by Indonesian special forces more than 30 years ago.
The incident has provoked ongoing controversy over the years. In 2002, referring specifically to the death of Scottish born journalist Malcolm Rennie, whose mother lived in the Isle of Man, the League attacked the Foreign Office for its 'inertia' over the case.
We also condemned ongoing military support to the Indonesian armed forces that had perpetrated the murders which included the supply of jet fighter bombers and the provision of training for aircrew utilising facilities at Valley in Wales and Ronaldsway on the Isle of Man.
The British government is unlikely to be able to resist calls to press Indonesia following these new developments although Indonesian authorities persist in their explanation that the five man TV crew were 'killed in crossfire'.
However, New South Wales state deputy coroner, Dorelle Pinch, who heard evidence from witnesses and viewed secret intelligence documents during the inquest has referred the case to the Australian Attorney General because she believes war crimes may have been committed.
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
17/11/07
■