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British military’s loyalty test under fire

United Press International
By United Press International
1 Min Read Nov. 21, 2004 | 21 years Ago
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Commonwealth troops in Britain's armed forces are furious over an order to adopt British nationality or lose their jobs, The Telegraph reported Sunday.

The estimated 8,000 Commonwealth servicemen currently in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are angry their loyalty is being questioned after years of putting their lives on the line in war zones for Britain, the newspaper said.

Some have reportedly decided to resign rather than give up their nationalities.

The order, which some call a loyalty test, is part of a security review of personnel who have daily access to top-secret and classified information. Its purpose is to combat espionage and terrorism.

Special forces troops and those in intelligence jobs, submarines and other "sensitive" positions have been asked to become British citizens or face demotion.

A letter from a Royal Navy officer to a New Zealand seaman serving on a submarine warned that if he chose to keep his nationality he would probably be taken out of submarine service.

The seaman has elected to leave the Royal Navy after 17 years of service.

"I've never been so insulted in my life," he told a friend.

© Copyright 2004 by United Press International

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