Letter from ICBL to Loch Harris regarding ELF

On ICBL letterhead

14 March 1999

Mr. R.B. Baker, Chairman of the Board
Mr. Rodney Boone, President
Loch Harris, Inc.
14205 Burnet Road, Suite 640
Austin, TX 78728

Dear Sirs,

I write on behalf of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), an umbrella coalition of 1,400 non-governmental organizations in over ninety countries of the world
which was the engine behind the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty and a 1997 Nobel Peace Prize Co-Laureate. I write in reference to your advocacy initiative on behalf of your new mine clearance device, ELF (Eliminate Landmines Forever).

In a press statement released on 14 February, Loch Harris claimed that it had successfully tested a new landmine detector that detected 100% of the mines in a test field in Croatia, hailing it as a "revolutionary breakthrough in the struggle against landmines".

Subsequently, a number of U.S. citizens called, faxed and emailed the ICBL and some of its member organizations, including major humanitarian demining organizations such
as Handicap International and Norwegian People's Aid. These communications all focused on the message that the ICBL and its member mine action organizations should
endorse Loch Harris's ELF clearance device.

While the ICBL welcomes all new developments that can help to solve the global landmine problem, the ICBL is an umbrella advocacy coalition of independent NGOs and does not endorse any particular demining product or company. The only 'endorsement' given by the members of the ICBL is to its call for a total ban on antipersonnel landmines, as codified by the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty and its demand that states provide the means and environment for effective mine action.

I should note, however, that some technical experts within the ICBL are skeptical that this product will be as effective as you believe, or solve the landmine crisis. You will be hearing from them directly.

Finally, the ICBL would like to invite Loch Harris and any companies engaged in mine detection technology and research to fully support the goal of a total ban on antipersonnel landmines. The best way to ensure the complete eradication of the global humanitarian landmine crisis is to stop this insidious weapon from being planted. As a U.S. based company, especially one based in Texas, we urge you to call on the President of the United States to join the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty before he leaves office, and for all Presidential candidates, including Texas Governor Mr. George Bush, to commit to join the Mine Ban Treaty immediately upon entering office.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Elizabeth Bernstein
Coordinator
on behalf of the ICBL Coordinating Committee