Us bars American witnesses from inquests of British soldiers

This sure doesn't sound like any way to treat an ally. And England doesn't think so too.

American witnesses will not be allowed to travel to the UK to attend inquests into the deaths of British soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. A letter sent to all coroners in England and Wales makes it clear that US military personnel will not cooperate with their inquiries.

In a document published yesterday, the Ministry of Defence makes it clear that requests from coroners for witnesses to appear will be turned down. The document says: "The US have confirmed categorically that they will not provide witnesses to attend UK inquests. While coroners may continue to ask for US witnesses to attend ... they should be aware that there will in all cases be a refusal."

...

Earlier this year the Oxfordshire assistant deputy coroner, Andrew Walker, criticised US authorities for failing to send witnesses to the inquest into the death of Lance Corporal of Horse Matty Hull, who was killed when two American A10 jets strafed his convoy in Iraq. He described their behaviour as "appalling".

The US authorities have made it clear they will only cooperate with military inquiries and will seek the return of all documents provided.

...

The US and UK work together to investigate the circumstances surrounding friendly fire incidents and their findings are made available to the coroner, as national and operational security and data protection allow.

In other words, if a coroner finds evidence that contradicts the joint US / UK investigation, its impossible to bring in US witnesses to the incident to clarify the discrepancy. Sure should make some family members feel great about how accurate the information is given them by the Ministry of Defence.

Pat Tillman comes to mind.

Via Guardian.