Britains upcoming Summer of Rage could end in a Nazi death camp.

[Magda Hassan]

The intervention obviously did nothing. I'm reminded of the news stories over here concerning British troops being sent into Iraq. It was apparently our years of experience in NI that would make us such an effective force over there. Obviously our "success" in dealing with the troubles made us the perfect choice to stop the sectarian violence in Basra. then the videos and photos showing familiar torture methods surfaced. Who better to teach the CIA about breaking prisoners than the British.

I remember hearing some years ago that one of the reasons the British wanted to hang on to Ireland, besides spite, and economic interests, was because it was considered a useful place where they could 'practice' various military and other actions.

[David Guyatt]

Thistreament was also meted out to British Army officers - amongst others - as part of their training, I am told.

I think (but no longer can be absolutely certain) it was Fred Holroyd who told me about the blindfolds, white noise and beastings etc - known euphemistically as the "House of Fun". This was standard cold war fare I believe.

Your friend may have been one of the lucky one Magda. Others apparently ended up in hidden shallow graves south of the border.

edit = PS, and for all their perceived holier than thou attitude the Sally Anne do an awful lot of really good work. Decades ago when I was helping street heroin addicts and other poor wretches, they were the only organization willing to put themselves out to help these poor devils by placing them in special centres for addicts.

[Magda Hassan]

Yes, he knew he was one of the lucky ones. Some of his comrades did disappear and presumably meet their end in shallow graves others had accidents and 'suicides' in prison cells. He was never the same person though. Would have flash backs when the tv channel went off air at the end of broadcast and made that sound and he'd throw himself down on the street sometimes if he heard some loud noise. Unpredictable.

Yes, the Sallies do much good work and there are many good people amongst them. I like the practical christians. A non religious friend even has a grudging warm spot for the Mormons. She had miscarried the night before and was feeling very poorly and pissed off with boyfriend and life in general when the Mormans came calling bright and early on the Saturday morning interupting her sleep. She said to them if they really wanted to make themselves useful they could go and buy her a packet of fags and a packet of sanitary pads too so they did. Lets hope there are still some practical christians to help us all in future.