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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 37, Number 1. 6th March 1974

Why North West Cape?

Why North West Cape?

This rather inaccessible base has been chosen for several important reasons. Firstly it has a particularly obnoxious function—sending firing orders to missile submarines. Secondly NWC is a little bit of American territory, leased off Australia for a peppercorn rental, in which Australians are classed as "foreign nationals" and which they may not enter without US permission.

By treaty Australia has absolutely no control over what the Americans do there, and no right to even know what they are doing. NWC could issue the order to start World War III and Australia would automatically be an unwitting and unwilling accomplice.

NWC is a highly visible and vulnerable target. With its dozens of antennae up to 1300 feet high and dozens of buildings and airfield spread over a total of 30 miles, it will take thousands of troops to keep out demonstrators. The audacity of this demonstration will ensure widespread media coverage of our opposition to US militarism. The Long March will pass through many cities and town where public meetings, photographic displays, leaflet handouts etc will take place.

Map of Australia