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The government was asked yesterday to explain why the US failed to tell it the
truth about use on Iraq of incendiary bombs, successors to the napalm used in
Vietnam.
The MoD repeatedly denied Mark 77 incendiary bombs were dropped, on the basis
of US assurances. Defence secretary John Reid now says the assurances, made to
predecessor Geoff Hoon, were wrong and he "must correct the position".
US Marines dropped 30 Mark 77 fire bombs between March 31 and April 2 2003
"against military targets away from civilian areas". In a letter to
Michael Ancram, shadow defence secretary, Mr Reid also says: "The MK77
does not have the same composition as napalm, although it has similar destructive
characteristics."
He adds the Pentagon had also told the government that "owing to the limited
accuracy of the MK77, it is not generally used in urban terrain or in areas where
civilians are congregated". Mr Reid points out Britain is bound by convention
not to use incendiary weapons against military targets located within concentrations
of civilians.
He continues: "US policy in relation to international conventions is a matter
for the US government, but all of our allies are aware of their obligations under
international humanitarian law."
Mr Ancram said the issue raised questions "about the quality of our communications
with our US allies", and has asked Mr Reid to explain.
He also referred to an article in August 2003, Officials confirm dropping firebombs
on Iraqi troops, in the San Diego Tribune, which said Marine pilots dropped
dozens near bridges, creating fireballs.
Mr Hoon was denying the use of incendiary bombs, on the basis of what he was
told, as late as April this year.
When reports surfaced, the Pentagon separated "napalm" from "firebombs".
According to GlobalSecurity.org, MK77s "function identical to earlier MK77
napalm weapons" using kerosene rather than benzene.