Records Of Genocide Arms Dealing Destroyed

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

‘Although one cannot be certain from the time line the CM gives in his reply it would seem that the records were destroyed before the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda had completed its work (and indeed some indictments are still open via the MICT). This also would seem to be not only an affront to the victims but a slap in the face to the United Nations’

The Manx Chief Minister has responded to my query sent in June and asking that records of the Isle of Man’s involvement in the Rwanda Genocide be retained. The records relate to the supply of arms to Hutu militia via a company registered in the Isle of Man. The Hutu went on to carry out genocide of the Tutsi community before order was eventually restored.

No prosecutions were possible in the IOM due to a technical loophole although cases were eventually opened at the ICTR (link);

https://www.celticleague.net/…/rwanda-securing-the-records…/

The Chief Minister says:

“I must apologise for the delay in responding to your letter dated 9 June 2015 in which you refer to the above company and its alleged involvement in the supply of ammunition to Rwanda in 1993 and 1994, however, the research into the matter took longer than anticipated.

I note from looking at archived correspondence that my predecessor the Hon D J Gelling CBE CP responded to you regarding the activities of Mil-Tec Corporation Limited and the possible application of UN Sanctions offences and or the Genocide (Isle of Man) Act 1969 in his letter in 2006. Although you will no doubt have these, I have enclosed a copy of both your letter and my predecessor’s reply for completeness.

With regard to the retention of records in relation to Mil-Tec Corporation Limited, I have received confirmation that following the allegation regarding the company’s activities made in late 1996, the Customs and Excise Division of Treasury did conduct enquiries and these established that as the Sanctions Orders were not introduced in the Island until December 1996, the company could not be charged in relation to its alleged supply of ammunition to Rwanda in 1993 and 1994. As no further investigation or proceedings were possible, the only records were those of the enquiry itself. These were retained in accordance with the Customs and Excise Division’s document retention policy for 10 years and were then destroyed.

As can been seen from the above paragraphs, correspondence and a record of the allegations made in relation to Mil-Tec Corporation Limited are retained. What 1 believe is important is that the Island learns from previous events and improves its regulation of Isle of Man Companies and issues comprehensive guidance to those companies engaged in activities that may be subject to Trade Control Licensing.

In this regard the Government, via the Customs and Excise Division of Treasury, enforces financial sanctions made under the United Nations Act 1946 and European Communities (Isle of Man) Act 1973, and maintains export control law and procedures so that they correspond to those in the United Kingdom as well as providing advice and guidance to the Island’s business community.”

Quite frankly it is appalling that Customs Division of Treasury were allowed to destroy their report/documents.

The Rwanda tragedy was one of the most appalling genocides in modern times and it is vital as we know from historical genocidal acts committed in the 20th Century that all records are secured.

The CM refers to the correspondence record with his Office still being maintained. Well quite frankly if I had not, on behalf of the Celtic League, initiated that correspondence no records would exist at all. Quite frankly this is unpardonable and it is a double betrayal of those slaughtered in Rwanda many with arms sourced by a company registered in this jurisdiction.

Although one cannot be certain from the time line the CM gives in his reply it would seem that the records were destroyed before the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda had completed its work (and indeed some indictments are still open via the MICT). This also would seem to be not only an affront to the victims but a slap in the face to the United Nations.

BERNARD MOFFATT

Issued by the Celtic News

01/09/15

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The Celtic League was established in 1961and has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues

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