British Government to open secret files on using Aussies as guinea pigs

The world will now know how British and Aussie soldiers were used as guinea pigs for its nuclear testing program.

The British Government is set to open secret files on how it used British and Aussie soldiers as “human guinea pigs” for its nuclear testing program 70 years ago, as it looks to formally recognise the disgrace.

The move could open the door for possible crimes committed by the State against the allied servicemen to be pursued.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has formally met with UK representatives of an international group of nuclear bomb test veterans, widows and families and pledged it was time for the veil of secrecy surrounding the tests on atolls off Australia’s coast to be lifted.

That recognition will begin with the “opening of the files” of the testing program that have been locked away since the 1950s and 1960s, a special medal for the servicemen and or their families who participated and a probe into claims the exposure has led to generations of deformities and debilitating ill health.

The meeting followed a pledge by Mr Johnson in April in the House of Commons to “take personal charge” of the issue.

A deadline of October was set as that will mark 70 years since the first test, codenamed “Hurricane” was conducted at the Montebello Islands in Western Australia.

The Prime Minister listens as test veteran John Morris demands justice. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street

He said if files were still locked away “like in The Raiders Of The Lost Ark, or stuff is being stashed in a vault or wherever” it needed to be now sorted out.

“These veterans epitomise the true meaning of service, and their selfless commitment has allowed us to enjoy the very freedoms we have today,” Mr Johnson said after meeting the delegation for 40 minutes.

Operation Hurricane by British Royal Navy off Montebello Islands as seen from HMS Plym.

“I know I speak for the nation when I express my immense gratitude to those involved in our nuclear testing program, who have made significant contributions to our national security both then and now. It is only right that they are recognised for their service, and I have asked ministers to explore how their dedication can be marked.”

Mr Johnson said just how formal recognition could take place would be explored by his relevant ministers.

Nuclear test at Maralinga during the 1950s.

The British military, with formal approval granted by Prime Minister Robert Menzies, conducted a series of nuclear tests off the WA coast about Monte Bello Islands, Maralinga in South Australia and in the Pacific notably about Maldon Island and Kiritimati atoll (formerly known as Christmas Island) in Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean.

Alan Owen, founder of Labrats International representing those used in the testing program, said research into the descendants who suffer genetic problems was now critical.

Victims from Maralinga Atomic testing, Tony Roberts, Alan Ilegg and retired Sapper Donald James celebrating on the steps of the High Court in London. Picture: Charles Miranda

“It’s just 70 years of denial by the MoD (Ministry of Defence) to not recognise what happened; it’s not taught in schools, there’s no education,” he said.

In 2009 the British High Court heard hundreds of British, Australian, Fijian and New Zealand conscripted servicemen were lied to, as they were used as human guinea pigs to test the health effects from the experiments.

They were promised “the greatest fireworks show on Earth” as they were sent into the radiation fallout dust range as soldiers or on ships and aircraft.

On June 6, 2009 the court ruled paved the way for compensation in allied countries whose governments of the day were lied to by the British.

An estimated 17,000 Australians are recognised as taking part in the tests.

Originally published as British Government to open secret files on using Aussies as guinea pigs