Total secrecy on whaler watching

[Barrett808]

Source: The Australian

Total secrecy on whaler watching
Matthew Franklin and Siobhain Ryan | January 01, 2008

THE Rudd Government has adopted a policy of absolute secrecy over its spying activities against Japanese whalers operating in the Southern Ocean.

The Government yesterday refused to comment on whether the Australian Customs vessel Oceanic Viking, sent at public expense to monitor the whaling, had made contact with the Japanese fleet.

And officials refused to say whether an A319 aircraft operated by the Australian Antarctic Division had conducted surveillance on the whalers.

...

Yesterday, Mr Smith's office referred inquiries about the progress of the monitoring of the Japanese whaling fleet to Mr Debus. But Mr Debus would not confirm or deny whether the Oceanic Viking had left port.

...

"I don't see any point in keeping it secret unless they're trying not to let some of the NGO (non-government organisation) boats know," Senator Siewert said.

Read more: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22992950-5013871,00.html

[wtmusic]

1. They may be keeping it secret BECAUSE they're letting

Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd know where the Japanese fleet is. Letting GP and SS do the dirty work without creating a diplomatic incident.

Works for me.

[leftchick]

2. works for me too!

I think I will send the SS more money. :)

[liberalla]

3. Barrett808 - Thank you for your frequent threads

and updates on this subject. This slaughter is so distressing. I am just sick of it, but we need to be aware of what is happening.

She said that while the Australian vessel's surveillance role was welcome, the Government need not wait for more data before legally challenging the Japanese whaling.

"They need to be testing this in the international courts, and they have plenty of advice to show they have good case," Senator Seiwert said.

Yes! Take this to the courts - it would be great if this was the last year.

[Barrett808]

4. Thanks for the shout

I look forward to the day it will no longer be necessary to post about whaling.

[liberalla]

5. I look forward to that day too.

:kick: