The Insider

Hand-picked group to enjoy arms sector's generosity

THE defence industry, shell-shocked after being bombarded with corruption allegations arising from the arms procurement package, is trying a new strategy to convey its views.

Targeted with invitations to participate in a new and exclusive forum called the First Thursday Group are hand-picked "opinion makers" including journalists and "senior participants in the defence, aerospace, air transport and allied sectors".

The group, which will hold its first meeting on (when else?) Thursday, August 2, is the brainchild of two former Business Day employees BAE Systems' man in SA, Linden Birns, and recently departed foreign editor Stephen Laufer.

According to a usually unreliable source, Mail & Guardian columnist Krisjan Lemmer, Laufer is now an adviser to European Aeronautic Defence and Space company (EADS), the DaimlerChrysler weaponry affiliate at the centre of the SA arms-for-Mercs scandal.

Regrettably, journalists who will be participating in the new discussion group will be unable to share their insights with the public the gatherings are "strictly and entirely off the record".

If it's any consolation, however, free food and drink will flow, sponsored during the first meeting at least by BAE Systems.

After EADS' previous experience, aren't they concerned that such generosity might be misconstrued?  

With acknowledgement to Business Day.