My headline is a dreadful slur on Mr. Panetta, the Americana Sec. of Defence, who almost certainly knew nothing of the decision taken, so to speak, in his name. He has just visited his troops in Afghanistan and was due to address two hundred US marines. However, according to World News, some-one gave the order that the marines should be disarmed. Of course, a spokesman bluffed and blustered that it had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that a US marine had recently run amok and slaughtered several Afghani families:
"You've got one of the most important people in the world in the room," Maj. Gen. Mark Gurganus told reporters at Camp Leatherneck, dismissing concerns related to the shooting. "This is not a big deal."
He said he had given the order because the two dozen Afghan soldiers also there were unarmed and he did not want to treat them differently.
Not too bright, Gen. Gurganus, who could have detailed two senior marines to watch the Afghanis and be prepared to shoot them if they made a move. I couldn't help thinking of the grumpy face Her Maj might have pulled if some general ordered the Guards to leave their rifles back in barracks. And Prince Phil's comments would have been unprintable!
My thanks to IHTM.
They were probably also concerned about Youtube footage of him screaming for his mom in the event of an accidental discharge. Best to be safe.
Posted by: Whyaxye | Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 14:47
So if an Afghan produces a concealed weapon, the Marines are helpless? Bright move.
Posted by: dearieme | Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 14:50
Back in the Sixties (I think) there was rather a good book/TV series about a communist takeover of Britain, called "When the Kissing had to Stop". In one episode, the Brigade of Guards is sent on an exercise without its weapons to forestall the counter revolution. The KGB is invited in to offer "fraternal assistance" to the left wing Labour government and establishes its HQ in the Tower of London.
Posted by: Edward Spalton | Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 18:08
Hello, Ewdward, and welcome to D&N. Yes, I remember that title although I can't remember the book/film. However, I just googled the author, Constantine Fitzgibbon, who sounds like a very interesting man:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_Fitzgibbon
Posted by: David Duff | Friday, 16 March 2012 at 08:30