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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/17/britain-must-pressure-donald-trump-over-korean-peninsula-crisis
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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Britain must pressure Donald Trump over Korean peninsula crisis | Britain must pressure Donald Trump over Korean peninsula crisis |
| (25 days later) | |
| Letters | Letters |
| Thu 17 Aug 2017 19.18 BST | Thu 17 Aug 2017 19.18 BST |
| Last modified on Fri 9 Feb 2018 18.38 GMT | |
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| We are very concerned at the level of tension over Korea, which has generated the biggest threat of nuclear war since the Cuban crisis of 1962. The US and South Korean militaries are due to commence a new set of exercises on 21 August which can only sharply raise tensions. The US already maintains a force of tens of thousands of troops in South Korea. It has installed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence missile system and is conducting joint military exercises in the country which include flying nuclear-capable bombers near to the North Korean border. Last year, Britain for the first time sent four RAF Typhoon aircraft to take part in exercises in the area alongside the US and South Korean military. | We are very concerned at the level of tension over Korea, which has generated the biggest threat of nuclear war since the Cuban crisis of 1962. The US and South Korean militaries are due to commence a new set of exercises on 21 August which can only sharply raise tensions. The US already maintains a force of tens of thousands of troops in South Korea. It has installed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence missile system and is conducting joint military exercises in the country which include flying nuclear-capable bombers near to the North Korean border. Last year, Britain for the first time sent four RAF Typhoon aircraft to take part in exercises in the area alongside the US and South Korean military. |
| Donald Trump and his national security adviser, General McMaster, have both stated that the “nuclear option” is on the table. This, they have made clear, includes the possibility of a first strike. Given the destructive potential of the nuclear arsenals on both sides, the “nuclear option” would lead to a war of genocidal proportions. Stepping up military engagement is the diametrically wrong response to the current crisis. What is needed is de-escalation on both sides. | Donald Trump and his national security adviser, General McMaster, have both stated that the “nuclear option” is on the table. This, they have made clear, includes the possibility of a first strike. Given the destructive potential of the nuclear arsenals on both sides, the “nuclear option” would lead to a war of genocidal proportions. Stepping up military engagement is the diametrically wrong response to the current crisis. What is needed is de-escalation on both sides. |
| We call on Theresa May to rule out committing any British armed forces to the Korean peninsula. Britain should instead apply pressure on the US government to end the ratcheting up of tensions and to pursue a political solution. | We call on Theresa May to rule out committing any British armed forces to the Korean peninsula. Britain should instead apply pressure on the US government to end the ratcheting up of tensions and to pursue a political solution. |
| Brian Eno Musician, president of the Stop the War CoalitionBruce Kent CND vice-presidentEmma Dent Coad MP Lab, KensingtonTommie Sheppard MP SNP, Edinburgh EastChris Williamson MP Lab, Derby North and shadow fire ministerMark Serwotka PCS General secretaryKevin Courtney General secretary, NUTMark Rylance ActorMiriam Margolyes ActorMurad Qureshi Chair of the Stop the War CoalitionLindsey German Convenor of the Stop the War CoalitionKate Hudson General secretary, CNDMichael Rosen Writer and broadcasterDanny Dorling Professor of geographyKate Smurthwaite Comedian and activistGiles Fraser Writer and priestVictoria Brittain Writer and journalistPaul RogersHarry Leslie Smith Author and second world war veteran | Brian Eno Musician, president of the Stop the War CoalitionBruce Kent CND vice-presidentEmma Dent Coad MP Lab, KensingtonTommie Sheppard MP SNP, Edinburgh EastChris Williamson MP Lab, Derby North and shadow fire ministerMark Serwotka PCS General secretaryKevin Courtney General secretary, NUTMark Rylance ActorMiriam Margolyes ActorMurad Qureshi Chair of the Stop the War CoalitionLindsey German Convenor of the Stop the War CoalitionKate Hudson General secretary, CNDMichael Rosen Writer and broadcasterDanny Dorling Professor of geographyKate Smurthwaite Comedian and activistGiles Fraser Writer and priestVictoria Brittain Writer and journalistPaul RogersHarry Leslie Smith Author and second world war veteran |
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| • Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters | • Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters |
| Donald Trump | Donald Trump |
| North Korea | North Korea |
| Theresa May | Theresa May |
| Asia Pacific | Asia Pacific |
| South Korea | South Korea |
| US foreign policy | US foreign policy |
| letters | letters |
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