No DNA access to identify remains

No DNA access to identify remains

(EXCERPT) By Nick Papps 03nov03

AUSTRALIA is refusing access to vital DNA evidence that could identify
the remains of Australian soldiers.

The Government has rejected a US Army request for DNA samples from
descendants to identify up to six soldiers killed in Vietnam and three
airmen from World War II.

The US Army believes it may have the remains of several Australian
soldiers in its laboratory in Hawaii but their identification has been
stalled by a refusal to hand over DNA.

Australian Defence officials have told the US they do not want to
upset the soldiers' families by asking for DNA samples to check
against the remains.

The move has outraged former Australian soldiers and US authorities
who have accused the Australian Government of "closing the books" on
missing Australian soldiers.

Inquiries have...

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Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com