Posted on 03/28/2004 2:32:12 PM PST by blam
Tensions rise over cave trip farce
MoD scotches wild theories claiming it told Mexico about expedition
Mark Townsend
Sunday March 28, 2004
The Observer (UK)
Diplomatic tensions over six Britons being held in Mexico after being rescued from flooded underground caves increased last night when it emerged Ministry of Defence officials had told Mexican authorities of the cavers' precise plans over a month ago. The Observer has also learnt that the potholers, freed from a cave beneath the Mexican jungle on Friday after being trapped for eight days, had explored the same caves two years ago. The men were arrested after their rescue.
This latest trip has descended into farce amid claims the MoD-sponsored expedition was a secret uranium prospecting exercise and that precise details of the trip were not forwarded to the relevant authorities. Mexico's president, Vicente Fox, has demanded 'clear information' about what the British party - which included military personnel - were doing there. Fox said the British response so far 'frankly did not satisfy'.
Relations between the two countries have been strained since The Observer revealed how Britain helped a US spy on Mexico's UN mission in the run-up to the Iraq war. Mexico demanded an explanation into the allegations last year. Britain initially refused but last month gave a diplomatic - and secret - verbal briefing to Mexico.
The reason given for the men's caving trip is humdrum in relation to the wild theories being pushed forward since the party became trapped underground by rising water levels. In fact, the expedition to explore the Cuetzalan caves appears little more than an attempt in conjunction with the Royal Geographical Society to map the labyrinth; one of hundreds of routine adventure trips the Army organises for its personnel across the world including regular expeditions to Mexico.
The men, who had tourist visas, could be deported, prohibited from returning for several years, face fines of up to 3,000 pesos (£180) or spend 18 months in jail if they are found to have broken immigration rules.
The six, from the Combined Services Caving Association, were taking part in Exercise Cuetzalan Tiger, a mission designed to teach self-reliance, endurance and leadership.
The military personnel were named as Sergeant John Roe of the RAF, Navy warrant officer Charles Milton, and from the Army, retired Army Major Jonathan Sims, Sergeant Chris Mitchell and Captain Toby Hamnett along with civilian caver, Simon Cornhill.
It now seems unlikely that the men will be released today, although talks between Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell and the Mexican ambassador were described as constructive. Mexican authorities are investigating the possible breach of their tourist visa, an offence which can carry an 18- month jail sentence. Mapping is classified as a 'scientific' activity in Mexico and needs a special visa. Yet so far checks on the men's equipment have failed to substantiate allegations of a secret uranium-finding mission.
'We have no evidence, at this moment, of any illegal activity. We can't react in a paranoid or aggressive manner,' said Mexico's organised-crime prosecutor Jose Luis Santiago Vasconcelos last night.
Nor it seems, as had been claimed, did the men deceive officials when entering the country on 28 February. Days earlier the British Army contacted British Embassy officials in Mexico City concerning the expedition.
Oh please - Mexico, you guys are so full of it.
Mexico inforcing immigration laws. The irony is thick.
Mexican authorities have dropped a criminal investigation over allegations that six Britons rescued from a cave were searching for uranium.
But the men, who were on a military training expedition, were continuing to be held over possible visa irregularities.
Immigration officials have until Monday to interview the men before they must decide whether to take further action.
An MoD spokeswoman said: "They saw the Attorney General yesterday and they were released without charge but now the Mexican authorities still have them."
But the army's most senior officer Chief of General Staff General Sir Mike Jackson, said the cavers' difficulties had simply been the result of a "great misunderstanding" and the purpose of their expedition was to "bolster initiative and courage".
He told BBC1's Breakfast with Frost: "It seems to me that their purpose was to explore these caves further than they had already been explored. There seems to be a misunderstanding. I very much hope it gets sorted out quickly."
The five servicemen and their civilian guide were rescued from a waterlogged cave on Friday after spending more than a week underground.
They were initially questioned over visa issues and later police investigated local media reports that they had been looking for radioactive materials - claims repeatedly denied by the Ministry of Defence and now dropped altogether.
It is now up to immigration officials to decide if they broke the terms of their tourist visas.
They could be deported, barred from returning for several years, face fines of up to £180 or jailed for 18 months if found to have broken immigration rules.
I'm getting a bigger yuk out of the Brits. They think they know all about dealing with south of the border Latins because of their experiences with the French. The fact is that the French can't hold a candle to Latin Americans when it comes to 'goofy'.
I'm waiting for Powell to tell the UK ambassador to 'calm down and use diplomacy'-- oh yeah, and say it with a pompous condescending British accent.
I'd give a month's wages just to watch the Brit crap in his pants.
Oh, no!
barred from returning for several years,
No big deal.
face fines of up to £180
Cheap at half the price.
or jailed for 18 months if found to have broken immigration rules.
Use Mexico for target practice.
What is that? 2,500,000,000 pesos?
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