The conditions for war do not exist

by Barry Johnson

Peace is our work. It is the work of teachers everywhere.

The resolution before you is unequivocal. It declares that this union is for peace and opposed to war on Iraq.

International law and UN Conventions provide a means whereby military action can be taken by states where a clear and present danger exists to their security or where their borders have been violated.

In the case of Iraq, these conditions do not exist.

What does exist is essentially two allegations:

1. Iraq has weapons of mass destruction which, under UN Resolution 1441, it should disarm but is deliberately not doing so.

2. Iraq has links to terrorist groups.

Let me say something about both these matters.

Last week, the US Secretary of State attempted to convince the world that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction and that it has not only failed to comply with UN Resolution 1441, but has deliberately misled the weapons inspectors.

Before his address, there was much said in anticipation he would disclose the so-called "smoking gun". What the world got was more smoke and mirrors.

I ask you Council, is that the best evidence the US can produce with all its military and intelligence resources? Was it sufficient evidence of a clear and present danger or breach of UN Resolution 1441? Was it irrefutable evidence that would justify the US and Australia to go to war?

I think not.

By comparison, in October 1962 the then US Ambassador to the UN, Adlai Stevenson provided real evidence to the UN Security Council:

• missiles on the cargo decks of Soviet freighters steaming for Cuba
• missiles in emplacements in Cuba
• "Beagle" long range, nuclear equipped bombers on the ground in Cuba.

Now that was a "smoking gun".

The inspectors may have found a few empty warheads in Iraq.

There's certainly a few empty warheads in the White House, at Kirribilli House and at 10 Downing Street.

In regard to links to terrorist groups, there is very little evidence indeed of any connection to al-Qaeda or any other terrorist organisation. To simply keep asserting such links exist doesn't make it true.

The resolution before you puts on record our condemnation of the Hussein regime and its shocking abuses of human rights. But this resolution also indicates our opposition to a war designed to secure a regime change in Iraq.

This resolution makes it clear that recourse to war cannot be justified and that the UN, an organisation created to preserve world peace, should be allowed to do its work. It is best placed to achieve international disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction.

Council, acts of war are already being conducted against Iraq. The blockade is one such act and we call for the withdrawal of Australian forces from it. It is interesting to note that even at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the US refrained from using the term "blockade" but preferred the term "maritime quarantine" because "blockade" signalled an act of war. The blockade has done nothing to affect the ruling military elite. It has certainly caused hardship and suffering for innocent children and their families. We also call for an end to the bombing in the "no fly" zones.

The resolution applauds those who have also come out in support of peace and indicates we will continue to work to secure international understanding.

We have and will continue to participate in the anti war coalition.

Council, I am very much afraid that John Howard is not yet ready to heed public opinion. We must do everything we can to change his mindset.

I repeat, peace is the work of teachers.

It is abhorrent to us as promoters of peace in our every day work as teachers and teacher unionists, to be contemplating the prospect of our young people being sent overseas to take part in a war which will see the loss of innocent young lives in Iraq.

Let me conclude with a further reference to weapons of mass destruction. Recent media reports about possible US tactics are horrifying. The strategy of "shock and awe", the raining of Scud missiles on Iraq to destroy its infrastructure, including power and water supplies, simply means an incredible loss of innocent civilian lives, including children, and great further suffering. This is not acceptable to me. I am sure it is not acceptable to you. I believe it is not acceptable to the vast majority of Australians. We must continue to work to ensure it is not acceptable to any Australian.

I move the recommendation.

Barry Johnson is General Secretary. The article is taken from his speech in moving the recommendation "No War in Iraq".

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005