Military

DATE=09/11/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S TERRORISM / BRITISH REACT (L)

NUMBER=2-280304

BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: British Prime Minster Tony Blair says the world's democracies must unite against terrorism in the wake of the attacks in the United States. V-O-A's Michael Drudge in London reports Mr. Blair has convened his security council to assess the situation.

TEXT: Prime Minister Blair has condemned the attacks in the United States as "terrible and shocking." He says there must be a coordinated response from the world's democracies.

/// BLAIR ACT ///

This mass terrorism is the new evil in our world today. It is perpetrated by fanatics who are utterly indifferent to the sanctity of human life, and we, the democracies of this world, are going to have to come together to fight it together and eradicate this evil completely from our world.

/// END ACT ///

As his voice trembled with emotion, Mr. Blair offered condolences to President Bush and the American people.

The prime minister cut short a trip to address a trade conference in Brighton, on the south coast of England. He rushed back to London and convened an emergency cabinet meeting.

The British foreign secretary, Jack Straw, also condemned what he called "these appalling acts of terrorism." He told local radio the British government is on a terrorism alert.

/// STRAW ACT ///

All government buildings and military installations have had their alert states raised for the most obvious reasons. I have issued instructions to all our posts abroad to raise the alert state of all our posts abroad to the highest level.

/// END ACT ///

The British foreign office also has set up a hotline for British residents seeking information about friends or family members who may have been victims of the attacks in the United States.

/// UNVOICED OPT /// The number is 020-700-80000. /// END UNVOICED OPT ///

Queen Elizabeth sent a message of sympathy to President Bush, saying the thoughts and prayers of her countrymen are with the American people. (Signed).

NEB/MWD/KL/JWH