Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Statement urged over Falklands 'war crimes'

David Nicholson-Lord
Sunday 16 August 1992 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

THE GOVERNMENT was yesterday urged to make a statement on allegations that British troops killed enemy prisoners in the Falklands in defiance of the international conventions of war.

The call came in a letter from Tam Dalyell, the Labour MP and a fierce critic of the Government during the Falklands war, to Malcolm Rifkind, Secretary of State for Defence.

The allegations were cited in an Independent on Sunday report yesterday on a book, Excursion to Hell, written by former Lance Corporal Vincent Bramley, an NCO who served with the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment.

One incident involved the alleged shooting of Argentinian prisoners after the battle for Mount Longdon waged by 3 Para. In the other, the alleged victims were three suspected US mercenaries: the order was said to have come from above. One reason proffered was the desire not to embarrass President Reagan.

Some of the details were excised from the final published version of the book. However, the author makes it clear that he believes the war was justified and the two incidents occupy only a tiny part of the book's narrative.

The Ministry of Defence said yesterday it was considering its response to the allegations, which were being taken 'very seriously'. It is expected to order an inquiry.

Mr Dalyell said it was never part of his case to 'denigrate the heroism of British forces'. But in his letter to Mr Rifkind, he said: 'Precisely because Mr Bramley's forthcoming book is not a knocking book, I believe you ought to make a statement.'

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in