
Wow, what wonderful timing!
Counter-Terrorism? Or just Industrial Espionage under the guise of "seeking the truth about BAe's dodgy deals"?
Given the fuss last week about BAe allegedly passing on American secrets with out permission, what will happen now? The DoJ turn around and say "Look, those damn Limeys let *anyone* look at thier files!"?
Maybe it is time we took a lead from the Brazilians actions a few years ago - following the "enhanced anti-terrorism measures" invoked post 9-11, the Brazillian Government demanded that they be allowed to subject American citizens to the same standard of treatment and checks - all passenger lists had to be communicated ahead of the flight being allowed to leave, American citizens were subected to the same sort of (mis)treatment handed out to Brazillians by US Customs staff, all American passengers had to have their bags searched etc.
Since it is obviously acceptable for non-American business travellers to now be treated as terrorist suspects by the American C&I staff (this, and a couple of other recent stories on El Reg), perhaps it is time for all other nations to treat American business travellers the same?
On the other hand, if the Americans are that sure that these men are guilty in some way of the crimes allegedly committed, why did they not simply refuse them entry as they do with most people they don't like?
Oh, I know - that way they couldn't examine the laptops!