American Embassy

An embassy tends to roll along without anything newsworthy happening around it, with the exception of those caught up in conflicts, terrorism and spy stories. One of the more colorful has been the American Embassy situated in Grosvenor Square, London. It was the focal point for anti-Vietnam War protests in the 1960s. There were protests in the US, Europe and Britain at the time. One particular demonstration in London from March 1968 stands out.

The proceedings began with a huge rally at which 10,000 people attended in Trafalgar Square. This is a popular location for such events as it is a wide open space in the hub of the city. The actress and political activist, Vanessa Redgrave spoke at the rally. She was later given permission to deliver a petition into the American Embassy. The aim of the demonstrators was to speak out against US involvement and British support in the war. All was peaceful until the crowd marched into Grosvenor Square. The police were under instruction to protect the embassy and there were hundreds of them, lined up to cordon off part of the Square and keep the protesters at bay. The crowd refused to move back and mounted police officers charged into them.

Violence erupted and some protesters broke through the cordon and damaged fences and a hedge on the American Embassy lawn. Accusations of assault from both sides have raged ever since. The outcome was that there were over 200 arrests and 86 people treated for injuries, including 25 police officers. Stones, firecrackers and smoke bombs were thrown by the demonstrators and indiscriminate use of the police truncheon was reported. The police were criticized for charging in the first place. Some people were hurt whilst trying to flee the scene.

Another demonstration was organized in October but there was more of a police presence in the streets and outside the American Embassy. Violence occurred here too but less than before. The events of March had taken everyone by surprise. Feelings were running high as more and more US soldiers were being killed and maimed, but no one expected violence on the streets of London to be on such a scale. Most protesters were peaceful but such numbers often result in events spiraling out of control. There was a minority element of anarchists out to clash with authority. Today’s rallies, and we have them now with regard to the Iraq War, seem mild by comparison. Some commentators are saying that the two wars are similar but there is an important difference. Young men were drafted out to Vietnam. The draft is not in operation for Iraq and it’s doubtful whether the Bush administration would even contemplate repeating that.