Rumsfeld, Rice: U.S. will stand by Britain in face of terror

  • Published
  • By Donna Miles
  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  If terrorists thought they could intimidate the people of a great nation during the attacks in London on July 7, "they picked the wrong people and the wrong nation," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said.

History is filled with examples of tyrants, fascists and terrorists intent on carrying out violence against the British people "only to founder," Secretary Rumsfeld said.

"Before long, I suspect that those responsible for these acts will encounter British steel,” he said. It's a steel of "uncommon strength" that "does not bend or break," he said.

"The British people have learned from history that this kind of evil must be confronted. It cannot be appeased," Secretary Rumsfeld said. Giving into terrorists' demands will only increase their demands, he said.

Secretary Rumsfeld reiterated President Bush's commitment that the United States will stand by Britain's side in the face of this threat.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the attacks will only re-energize efforts to counter terrorism.

"It will, in fact, only strengthen the resolve of Great Britain, of Prime Minister (Tony) Blair and his government, and of the people of Great Britain to make certain that terrorists know that they cannot win," she said. "We remain resolved in our determination to root out this scourge against humanity and against civilization."

Secretary Rice expressed America's "deepest sympathies and our solidarity" to the people of Great Britain.

David Manning, British ambassador to the United States, called the outpouring of support from the American people today "enormous and overwhelming."

"We are very touched by it" and feel "a great solidarity" with the American people, he said.

Ambassador Manning said the British people "will not be shaken" by the attacks.

"We have got to deal with terrorism, and we will deal with terrorism," he said. "And it may take time, but we will win."

Terrorists "want to move the world backward" while the rest of the freedom-loving world, including those at today's Group of Eight summit of leaders from industrialized nations, are working to move it forward, he said.

"They will not prevail," he said of the terrorists. "We shall prevail. And it is enormously encouraging to know that we have such a close bond with our American partners."