We recently focused on the plight of Breton servicemen who were nuclear test veterans and the unsympathetic attitude of the French government to their plight. Many have suffered severe illness or died as a consequence of the French military testing programme in the Pacific.

We contrasted their position with that of Manx personnel who were involved in similar British tests in the Indian Ocean during their National Service.

The Manx government has, following the initiative of a Tynwald member, Mr Eddie Lowey MLC, (Member of the Legislative Council - The Upper Chamber of the Manx Tynwald) taken action to ensure that the small number of Manx service personnel are compensated.

This week more details of the settlement were unveiled. Mr Lowey has revealed that each claimant will receive between £8,000 - £10,000 and the monies will be paid out by this summer.

Alluding to the fact it was a small amount, Mr Lowey said that nonetheless the initiative was significant and the payment would be made to personnel with a Manx connection whether the resided in the Isle of Man or abroad. He said :

"The amount is piffling — it's a token payment. These people were experimented on. From the (Manx) government's point of view it's a win-win situation."

"Of course, Manxmen now living abroad should be eligible and those who were English nationals at the time but have spent a lifetime here. There is no such thing as first and second-class Manxmen."

It is also hoped that the Manx initiative will also help a similar campaign by veterans organisations in the United Kingdom.

Who knows ? If the French Defence Ministry also become aware of the Manx Government decision to do justice to their nuclear test veterans they may drop their obdurate stance to the issue of compensation !

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

19/04/08