U.K. Troops Head For Anguilla

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31941, 19 March 1969, Page 13

U.K. Troops Head For Anguilla

(N.Z.P.A .-Reuter—Copyright)

BRIDGETOWN (Barbados), March 18.

British paratroops headed for the Caribbean today, apparently to invade the rebel island of Anguilla. It is not known how many Anguillans would help their defiant leaders to resist an occupation.

Observers said the islanders would have fought to the last man if the objective were to return the territory to the fold of the St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla Federation under the Prime Minister (Mr Robert Bradshaw).

But the aim appears to be to re-establish links with Britain, and there is therefore doubt whether they would support the island's self-styled President, Mr Ronald Webster. Mr Webster yesterday briefed his people at a public meeting and reportedly warned them to expect an invasion.

There are about 200 armed men on the island—described by a British Junior Minister, Mr William Whitlock, as Mafia gangster types. Mr Whitlock was seen off Anguilla at gunpoint last week and the remaining four Britons on the island were ordered to leave on Monday.

Meanwhile, Caribbean Governments remained non-com-mital about reports of an imminent invasion.

The tiny, scrub-covered flat Island is virtually undefendable, with no jungles to hide

in, no mountains to flee to, and an easy coastline for most of its length. Anguilla has a single, partially-sealed airstrip and lacks food and water resources which could sustain men on the run. But the leaders are believed to have a front-line of defence prepared, coupled with counter-attack measures, in the event of invasion.

Mr Webster told N.Z.P.A.Reuter recently that the island had a special signal which could bring “mercenary airborne forces” into action. St Kitts oil installations might be the target for a counter-attack, he said. The forces also included two 85ft patrol boats, each armed with three machine-

guns and equipped with radar, he added.

But Britain probably hopes that with dissension among the islanders, troops might be able to take over with a minimum of bloodshed and then quickly restore law and order, observers said. The airlift of British paratroopers to the Caribbean was well under way today as the British Government prepared to squash rebellion on the defiant island of Anguilla, it was reported from London.

An advance party left Britain by air last night and about another 100 men of the “Red Devil” 16th parachute brigade and 40 men of a police commando squad were standing by for take-off at Lyneham Royal Air Force base, south-west of Bridgetown.

It is thought they will be flown to a staging area, probably on the nearby island of Antigua. Sources said Britain had three warships—the frigates Rhyl, Minerva and Rothesay—within striking distance. Although there is a strict security clampdown, indications are the force will be embarked on the frigates, ready to invade and crush the small force of armed volunteers on Anguilla. But there are signs that the Prime Minister (Mr Harold Wilson) has not yet given the final go-ahead for the assault and is hoping for a surrender before any blood is spilled. Yesterday at the United Nations Anguilla’s selfstyled representative, Mr Jeremiah Gumbs, said British troops were preparing to invade Anguilla “like gorillas rushing into an orphanage.” He called on the SecretaryGeneral (U Thant) to send a representative to the Caribbean island. When the colonialism committee decided to hear Mr Gumbs’s petition, the British delegation retired to th. observers’ bench on the rim of the chamber. Anguillans we.e motivated by good will towards the British, he said, adding that “the use of force in Anguilla in 1969 is unheard of.” “I am asking the British representatives in this assembly,” he said, "to convey to the British Government the good feelings of the people of Anguilla and to ask that Mr Webster and members of his Government be allowed to speak with them in the United States, preferably in the halls of the United Nations. I am sure that a way can be found so that the people of Anguilla can live in peace and enjoy the blessings of freedom which they deserve.

“The independent republic of Anguilla should be allowed to conduct its own affairs for a period of three to five years under the watchful eye of the United Nations,” Mr Gumbs said.

Earlier, Mr John Shaw, for Britain, and M- John Eaves, for the United States, said Anguilla’s affairs were no longer a matter for the committee. The two delegates said the island was associated in an autonomous arrangement with St Kitts and Nevis and was, therefore, no longer non-self-governing.