Description
Object description
British civilian with international Gulf Peace Team in Iraq and Jordan, 1-2/1991.
Content description
REEL 1: Aspects of period in GB, 1915-1991: Quaker family background and early pacifist influences; story about father refusing to make munitions; first awareness of Gulf Peace Team (GPT) and procedure for joining; problem of disability and age; attitude to danger and expectations for peace camp; opinion of Saddam Hussein; description of preparations and journey to Amman, Jordan, 1/1991. Aspects of period in Jordan and Iraq, 1-2/1991: story of arrival at Peace and Friendship Camp, Baghdad, 1/1991; question of compromise with Saddam Hussein; description of journey to camp at Judiyyat Arar; opinion of organisation of camp, lack of formal leadership and policy meetings; work rota in camp; problem of large number of cats and dogs; diversity of nationalities and languages in camp.
REEL 2 Continues: attitude to learning about Arabic and Islamic culture; story of attending Russian classes; further comments on policy meetings and Affinity groups; description of sleeping arrangements including specially constructed bed; opinion of cooking facilities and food; problem of disability limiting participation in activities; description of specially constructed toilet; social activities and relations between GPT members; reaction to start of Gulf War and effect on camp life, 8/1991; question of security and morale in camp; division of opinion among GPT members over evacuation of camp; opinion of proposal by Pat Arrowsmith to move camp nearer border; description of evacuation of camp and refusal of some GPT members to leave, 1/1991.
REEL 3 Continues: further description of evacuation of camp; opinion of Saddallah Atrib; importance of media coverage for GPT; description of journey to Baghdad and arrival at Al-Rasheed Hotel; problem of reaching room on 7th floor; relations between GPT and Iraqis; description of bomb damage in Baghdad; story of visit to dried milk factory; reaction to accusations of GPT aiding Iraqi propaganda; story of receiving messages from Saddam Hussein; description of 22 hour journey to Amman, Jordan; story about personal attack on Pat Arrowsmith by GPT member at press conference; description of journey back to GB, 3/Feb/1991. Aspects of period in GB, 1991: reflections on period in GPT camp; reaction to ground war in Iraq; process of adapting to normal life; opinion of peace campaigners who remained in Iraq; attitude to pacifism and the arms trade.
REEL 4 Continues: financial situation of GPT; opinion of organisation and running of GPT camp; description of Quaker meetings in camp; story about Edward Poore and death from rat bite.