London — The British foreign secretary admitted Friday that her government was aware of a secret CIA prison network before President Bush acknowledged its existence in September.
Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett made the admission in a written response to a parliamentary question.
In a recent speech, Bush included a reference to the "existence of a detention program operated by the CIA." Bush said 14 high-value detainees - including the suspected mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, Khalid Sheik Mohammed - had been transferred from clandestine centers to the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
"Prior to this speech, we were aware of the existence of a secret U.S. detention program only in general terms," Beckett said in response to a question.
A Foreign Office spokesman, speaking on customary condition of anonymity, said the statement was the first confirmation Britain had prior knowledge of the secret prisons.
Comments
Curious 6 years, 3 months ago
I do wonder how long these detention centers have existed. Seems likely the CIA has used this type of facility for a long time and that other countries could also use them. Kind of like a United Nations of espionage holding tank.
Those of us who believe in one world justice should probably view this as a precursor of things to come if we get our way.
Commenting has been disabled for this item.