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good to see a few more of those faces arriving at Canadian airports. But what do you tell any Canadians left behind in Iraq?

It is entirely likely that the envoy to Baghdad would fetch a few of the remaining four dozen Canadians there, but those hostages, while the guns of 400,000 allied troops are trained on Baghdad, are safe where they are. The same is not true for the people of Kuwait. The same was not true for murdered Kuwaitis, the butchered children, the slain babies.

Did you know that Iraqi soldiers point their rifles at Kuwaiti citizens, shoot them and then place lots on the number of final breaths their dying victims will take? Did you know that Iraqi soldiers have pulled the plugs on 60-70 Kuwaiti babies' incubators killing each and every one of those infants? Did you know that the brains of children are splattered across the entrances of their Kuwaiti homes by soldiers with assault rifles who have carried out merciless reprisals to effectively throttle Kuwaiti resistance?

Did Britain's Mr. Heath, Germany's Mr. Brandt, America's Mr. Jackson and others ignore the plight of Kuwait's families who watch their children and neighbours butchered in the streets in front of their homes, all for the sake of appearing as heroes to their own publics?

How righteous is the cause of seeking the release of Canadians from Iraq while the victimized people of Kuwait are mentally tortured beyond their worst nightmares? If it is correct to bargain with the devil himself for the release of only a handful of hostages, then it is also correct to heed the pleas of the exiled Kuwaiti leadership and rescue its people from cold-blooded tyranny.

It's hard to decide whether we are looking at opportunism on the part of Canada's three parliamentarians, or a genuine belief that the tradeoff is just and equitable. In either case, future historians — whether you care now to admit it or not — may say we are witnessing a display of selfishness like that seen in the early days of WW II when

Volume 4, Number 46 November 14, 1990


Comment:

SADDAM WINS ROUND ONE

Kuwait is gone. The country has been wiped from the face of the map. Saddam has placed 430,000 troops in what he now refers to as Iraq's 19th province, holds some 2,000 hostages at Iraqi military sites as human shields, refuses the righteous demands of neighbouring Arab states, and refuses to free Kuwait.

Since August 2 this wily coyote has manipulated the western world like putty in his fingers. Today a procession of `unofficially' sanctioned high-profile public figures makes its way to Baghdad to enter the exploitatious tournament sponsored by the "Butcher of Baghdad" who dangles his prized hostages for each notable who parades through his palace.

While in fact they may be justified in bartering for the release of a few hostages, in principle what Canadian Parliamentarians Svend Robinson, Lloyd Axworthy and Robert Corbett are doing is iffy at best. They concede that Saddam has the upper hand, toy with the hopes of families in Canada, and contribute to the slow usurping of western solidarity. On the other hand, it would be



Canada's leadership rushed home Canadians from overseas while ignoring the plight of others, refusing war-time immigration privileges to Europe's Jews, essentially telling them to stay in Europe to be tortured and gassed by Hitler's mass-murderers. Hopefully those same historians will also explain that we in the West have been completely manipulated by Saddam.

If this column makes you see red, make sure it is the red of Kuwaiti blood, for that is the picture that history will hand to our descendants. That is the dilemma Saddam has given us and in that alone Saddam has won the first round.

Micheal John O'Brien

U.K. WILL CUT DEFENCE SPENDING, BUT NO PEACE DIVIDEND

The U.K. government's public spending plans for the period through to 1993-94 foreshadow the expected downturn in defence spending. The expectation is that after an increase of around £300 million (sterling) in 1991-92 to £22.8 billion (sterling) the sum hitherto expected to be available for defence spending will be reduced by £230 million (sterling), in the following year. The outcome will be a fall of around six percent in real terms between 1990-91 and 1993-94 by which time defence spending will amount to only 3.4 percent of gross domestic product.

The figures are said by the Ministry of Defence to reflect a continuing commitment to the maintenance of a strong and flexible defence posture. However they have come as a not altogether unexpected blow to those in the U.K. who have been clamouring for an early `peace dividend' in the form of surplus funds which can be allocated to other social programmes.

Arguably the Gulf crisis has silenced political comment on the spending plans as the Labour Opposition is still determined to avoid any high profile political row which could result in its being accused of trying to disrupt the united front that has been presented to the Iraqis. Nevertheless the Conservative government is uneasy about the possible public effect of any Labour reaction — albeit not from the front benches — to any military action to recover Kuwait, and one senior minister is known to have expressed his fears on the subject to a meeting of influential Conservatives at a London club.

THE CHALLENGE TO PM THATCHER

The private doubts come at a time when the Conservative government appears to be in disarray. In the aftermath of three crushing by-election defeats and the resignation of its Deputy Prime Minister there is a perception of a groundswell of support for the former Secretary of State for Defence millionaire publisher, Michael Heseltine in what might or might not materialize as his bid to topple Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher from the party leadership.

The issues are being trivialized by the media, but there is no doubt that raw politics dictate the mood in Westminster. Prime Minister Thatcher seems certain to retain the strong support of Defence Minister Tom King who has already argued strongly on the effect of a change in leadership at such a crucial time in the Gulf crisis. King himself may face a longer term challenge from his junior minister Alan Clark, a staunch Thatcher supporter who seems almost certain to be at the centre of the political infighting and may try to maneuver himself closer to the leader. On Monday of this week the influential former Lord Chancellor, Lord Hailsham joined the fray arguing strongly against any action which might weaken leadership at a time of international crisis. However the outspoken ex-cavalry colonel, Michael Mates, the chairman of the all-party House of Commons Defence Committee is one of the most determined members of the pro-Heseltine camp.

Although much of the public argument centres on whether a General Election — which may still be eighteen months distant — is winnable under PM Thatcher it is still unclear whether the disaffected MPs can win over more members of the `Class of '79' and those who have entered Parliament at the two subsequent elections since the Conservatives took office. Should there be wavering amongst these members, who until now have been almost uncritical supporters of the Prime Minister, any leadership challenge would instantly become much more open.


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SOURCES LIED ON CBS 60 MINUTES "IF PUSH COMES TO SHOVE"

On Sunday, during a CBS "60 Minutes" broadcast covering the U.S. Army's FAADS/ADATS project, in at least five instances, sources outright lied to the interviewer says former Canadian LLAD Programme Manager David Hampson.

Hampson told The Wednesday Report that, "I personally showed Derek Blackburn (MP-Brant, Ontario) that ADATS met the NATO weather requirements. The turret didn't fail, the safety lock had been left on. I told them that and showed it to them. I know, I was driving the vehicle at the roll-out. The ADATS does not use a laser beam to track the target, it uses infrared which is passive. The ADATS uses radar to detect far out targets. It does not track targets with radar. The Iraqis' Roland uses only radar which is easily jammable. And ADATS production has not been stopped."

SPAR AEROSPACE ANNOUNCES IMPROVED THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

For the period ending September 29, Spar Aerospace Limited has released a quarterly report which among other things, flags the acquisition of the assets and government contracts of Leigh Instruments Limited as a prospective boost to Spar business prospects. The report declares revenue of $239,193,000; net income of $1,623,000; and earnings per subordinate voting share of $0.14. The company's performance is an improvement over the same period in 1989 when revenues were $174,801,000; net income was in fact a loss of $5,592,000; and earnings per subordinate voting share were at a $0.50 loss.

The firm claims that the results "reflect the continuing stabilization of Spar's overall operating performance." It adds that "Improved results in the Advanced Technology and Satellite & Communications Systems groups were offset by a slowdown in military repair and overhaul business and additional costs in completing contracts for the long range night observation (NODLR) programme."

In a statement released last Wednesday by Spar, the company notifies shareholders that, "On October 12, Spar acquired certain assets of Leigh Instruments Limited previously held by its Trustee in Bankruptcy. As part of this transaction Spar has entered into contractual agreements with the federal government concerning work on a number of the contracts which Leigh had with the government including the Shincom shipboard communications system and aerospace electronics systems and components. Not only is this work expected to make a profitable contribution to Spar, but the acquisition of the Leigh assets and technology will facilitate the company's thrust into markets for advanced software oriented systems in communications and controls."

Spar's Board of Directors has declared a dividend of 3 cents per share payable January 2, 1991 to subordinate voting shareholders of record at December 19, 1990.

MARCONI TO BUILD PoWeR SUPPLIES FOR NORTHROP ATV

Canadian Marconi Company (CMC) of Montreal, Quebec has received a follow-on production contract from Northrop Aircraft Division of Newbury Park, California. The $2.3 million contract calls for the manufacture of CMC's Converter Voltage Regulator (CVR), the sole power supply for Northrop's BQM-74C Aerial Target Vehicle (ATV), better known as the Chukar III. Deliveries of the CVRs are expected to run through the summer of 1992.

Northrop's BQM-74C is an unmanned aeronautical vehicle capable of simulating a wide range of airborne threats and is mainly used to exercise the shipboard tracking and weapons systems. Northrop has supplied more than 1,000 BQM-74Cs to the U.S. Navy since 1978. Of those vehicles, an estimated 75 percent are equipped with CVRs which CMC has been providing to Northrop since 1981.


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FIRST GE TURBOFAN DELIVERED FOR CANADAIR RJ

GE Aircraft Engines recently delivered the first CF34-3A1 turbofan engine for the Canadair Regional Jet marking a major milestone in the CF34/Regional Jet programme. The engine will be installed in time for the Regional Jet's maiden flight in the second quarter of 1991. The CF34-3A1 is an "airlinized" version of the CF34 which powers Canadair's Challenger 601 business jet. Since entering service in 1983, the CF34 has accumulated more than 387,000 flight hours powering 125 Challenger aircraft in service with 106 operators in 15 countries. It is the commercial version of GE's TF34 military engine. To date, the CF34/TF34 engine family has accumulated nearly seven million flight hours.

RJ70 GETS BIG PUSH FROM COMAIR

Comair Inc., a Delta Connection carrier based in Cincinnati, Ohio has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for ten BAe RJ70 regional jetliners and options for ten more. Deliveries are expected to begin in 1992. This MOU is the first agreement reached by British Aerospace with an operator for the recently launched RJ70. The new 70-seat aircraft is powered by Textron Lycoming LF507 engines and is derived from a design that has over one million flights and is already delivering dispatch reliability rates in excess of 99 percent. The MOU announcement comes soon after Delta's announcement of a $350 million (U.S.) expansion at the Greater Cincinnati Airport including new frequencies, gates and facilities that would help Comair with additional feeder traffic.

ADDITIONAL CAE C-5B SIMULATOR ORDER BRINGS TOTAL TO SEVEN

CAE Electronics Ltd. of Montreal, Quebec has been awarded an $8.1 million contract by FlightSafety Services Management of Lakewood, Colorado to develop and produce a Lockheed C-5B military transport aircraft flight simulator. The simulator will be used to train U.S. Air Force and Air Reserve Guard flight crews. To date, CAE has received a total of seven orders for C-5B flight simulators, six of which have been delivered. The seventh C-5B simulator will be delivered to Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts in the summer of 1992.

UNITED PARCEL ORDERS 25 BOEING 757 PACKAGE FREIGHTERS

United Parcel Service (UPS) of Greenwich, Connecticut has ordered an additional 25 Boeing 757 package freighters, 15 of which were converted from previously held options. With this order — valued at approximately $1.7 billion (U.S.) including spares — the UPS fleet of 757PFs has reached 55 airplanes. UPS also holds options on another 41 757PFs scheduled for delivery through 2004.

TURKEY BUYS SIX GE-POWERED BLACK HAWK HELICOPTERS

The Turkish National Police recently ordered six Black Hawk helicopters powered by GE Aircraft Engines' (GEAE) T700-GE-701C engines, the latest version of the T700 turboshaft family. This purchase adds to the six similar aircraft that were delivered to the Turkish Jandarma in 1989. Turkey's choice of GE-powered helicopters strengthens an already solid military and commercial relationship. Earlier this year, the Turkish Army acquired five T700-GE-401-powered SuperCobra helicopters as part of its Army aviation modernization programme and the Turkish Air Force chose the CN235 powered by GEAE's CT7-9C turboprops for its 52-aircraft lightweight trans


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port programme.

DND CONTRACTS RECENTLY AWARDED IN ONTARIO

Canada Catering Company of Toronto won a $5,077,588 contract to provide DND with food and food services at CFB Goose Bay, Labrador. Work under the two-year contract will maintain 60 jobs until September 30, 1992, with an option to renew for up to three years.

CANAC International Inc. of Toronto received a $5 million contract amendment to provide additional services related to the satellite communications segment of the North Warning System. This DND contract runs until December 31, 1992.

Pri-Tec International Inc. of Kanata won a $1,639,230 contract to supply DND with temporary portable ammunition storage shelters for use in Dundurn, Saskatchewan. Work on the shelters will create or maintain 1,800 person-days of employment. Delivery is expected by December 1.

Expert Catering Ltd. of Nepean won a $677,501 contract to provide food and food services for the Canadian Emergency Preparedness College in Arnprior, Ontario. Work on the contract will create 10 jobs until June 30, 1993.

Impacto Protective Products Inc. of Belleville received a $439,144 contract to supply DND with combat trousers. Work on the trousers will create 30 jobs for 18 weeks, with delivery expected by March 31, 1991.

McLeod Brothers Ont. Inc. of Sault Ste. Marie won a $35,475 contract to repair the heating system at the Sault Ste. Marie Armoury. Work on the contract, awarded on behalf of DND, was to be complete by November 11.

INMARSAT 2 — FIRST LAUNCH OF EUROSTAR-CLASS SATELLITE

The first of four Inmarsat 2 communications satellites, built by British Aerospace (Space Systems) Limited for the Inmarsat International Mobile Satellite Organization, was launched on October 30 at 6:16 pm EST by a Delta launcher from Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

The launch was the first of a generation of communications satellites based on Eurostar — a modular designed three-axis stabilized satellite platform developed by British Aerospace and Matra Espace of France. The satellite, designated Inmarsat 2 F1, is equipped with an advanced communications payload provided by Hughes Aircraft Company. The payload's separate phased array transmit and receive antennas will operate at L and C-band frequencies, providing reliable, high quality communications services for maritime, aeronautical and land mobile users worldwide. Inmarsat 2 F2 will be launched by Delta in February 1991, with F3 and F4 scheduled for launch by Ariane in July and November of 1991.

JETSTREAM SUPER 31 GETS NOD FROM JAL

Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced plans to buy its first European-manufactured aircraft, the 19-seat Jetstream Super 31 airliner. The aircraft will be delivered in 1991 for use on the Nishi-Seto Air Link regional services which connect the cities of Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Oita and others. JAL is taking over the Air Link services, with the routes being operated by the airline's subsidiary, Japan Airlines Flight Academy.

JAL made its decision to buy two of the airliners from British Aerospace after careful evaluations of three competing types. Mr. Charles Masefield, managing director of BAe Commercial Aircraft Airlines Division said, "This selection by JAL of the Jetstream Super 31 is the strongest possible endorsement of our product by one of the world's top quality airlines."

CONAIR TO SUPPLY SPARES KITS TO U.S. AIR FORCE

Conair Aviation Limited of Abbotsford, B.C. has been awarded a contract valued at $997,000 (U.S.) to provide spares kits for the C-130 Aircraft Modular Aerial Spray System to the U.S. Air Force. The company designs and manufactures aerial spray systems for fixed and rotary wing aircraft as well as fire fighting systems for various types of helicopters. Conair also operates the


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largest private fleet of air tankers in the world.

CALENDAR

November 19 — The Canadian Defence Preparedness Association (CDPA) will host "Peace Through Preparedness — The Role of Research and Development", a one-day conference to be held at the Ottawa Congress Centre, beginning with registration at 8:30 am. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Stuart Smith. Nonmembers may attend at a premium of $75.00 which includes a one-year CDPA membership. For further information please contact CDPA, (613) 235-5337.

May 6-7, 1991 — The 38th Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute (CASI) will be held at the Chateau Champlain Hotel in Montreal, Quebec. Under the general theme {Facing the Challenge — Aerospace in the '90s" the meeting will feature a lecture from an outstanding member in the scientific or engineering fields of aeronautics, space or associated technologies; symposiums based on papers; will recognize and reward industry leaders; and discuss the future of CASI. For further information contact the Conference Coordinator at (613) 234-0191.

CASI call for papers: In conjunction with the meeting, CASI has issued a call for papers for two symposium topics including Advanced Technology General Aviation Aircraft, and Simulation and Training. Each symposium has its own specifics regarding guidelines for papers. For additional information on the Advanced Technology, General Aviation Aircraft Symposium contact Mr. D.W. Laurie-Lean at (613) 992-8938; and for the Simulation and Training Symposium, Mr. Phil D'Eon, (416) 792-1981. The meeting will also include a symposium on Aerospace Propulsion which will be based on invited papers.

May 13-16, 1991 — The fourth European Aerospace Conference will be held at the Maison de la Chimie in Paris. The Association Aéronautique et Astronautique of France, Germany's Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft-und Raumfahrt and the Royal Aeronautical Society are organizing the conference which will deal primarily with "Launch Bases" and "Satellite Control Systems". Separate symposiums will be organized around each topic. This conference, to be attended by well-known specialists, will provide an opportunity to national and multinational agencies, manufacturers, operators and researchers who design, produce, manage or use these large launch and control infrastructures to exchange information and views.

INPUT

Dear Editor:

I was introduced to your publication by reading the October 24th Special Edition, dedicated to the Canadian military personnel involved in the Persian Gulf operations. Accordingly, I was pleased to sanction Air Transport Group's support of its distribution to military addressees.

As Group Commander, I would like to highlight the significant undertakings by Air Transport Group for this military commitment. More than 350 of our personnel, including aircrew, maintenance, air cargo/passenger movements and communications specialists, deployed to Europe and

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