AMERICA AGAINST THE WORLD
PROJECT OUTLINE
The following script is temporary – because, of course, it will change as we film our interviews, while the screenplays for the recreations of US war planning will become more detailed as we research the three rolls of microfilm – National Archives 1421/9-11 – which contain full information about these plans.
But it gives an idea of the structure of our three-part, 90-minute documentary, and is meant to provide a basis for planning and discussion.
Alex Cox
PART ONE – WAR PLAN RED
ARCHIVE – between the World Wars. Familiar footage contrasts the United States in the 1920s and 1930s with the rise of Fascism in Europe, and of Imperial Japan.
These are images which we might expect to see: the World suffers through the Depression, but there are also images of wealth and excess, of the repeal of Prohibition, of glitzy celebrities, of Hollywood premieres, of sleek aircraft and cars, of dams and housing projects under construction. And it is contrasted with other, darker images: of Nuremburg rallies, of Hitler, Mussolini, and Franco, of the rise of Imperial Japan.
NARRATOR V/O
In the years between the two World Wars,
the United States made plans to go to war
again. Some of these plans involved
potential war against Russia and Japan.
More startling were plans
– approved at the highest level – for war
against America's closest allies, England,
Canada, and Mexico.
The ARCHIVE MONTAGE ends with images of friendship between the US and these allies.
FIRST INTERVIEW: RICHARD PRESTON, author of "Defence of the Undefended Border."
How he discovered the war plans, which were declassified and released to the National Archive in 1974.
SECOND INTERVIEW: A PENTAGON SPOKESPERSON
tells us that the US makes all kinds of provisional plans, for every eventuality.
Not to be taken seriously.
THIRD INTERVIEW: A NEW YORK TIMES OR WASHINGTON POST JOURNALIST, OR AN APPROVED HISTORIAN
agrees, treating the thing as an amusing sidebar, a joke.
FOURTH INTERVIEW: A LEFTIST HISTORIAN
who says that if these things were considered, they were considered seriously.
The military doesn't do 'jokes.'
ARCHIVE/CONTEMPORARY FOOTAGE
Washington DC. Footage of famous buildings. The US Army College.
NARRATOR
War Plan Red was the plan to attack England.
First drawn up by the US War Department in 1930.
It was updated in 1934 and 1935.
CUT TO —
RECREATION
US WAR DEPARTMENT INT DAY 1935
Several US MILITARY OFFICERS, most of them quite young, discuss WAR PLAN RED. Bright daylight pours into the room, rendering the SOLDIERS silhouettes. Their faces don't need to be seen clearly. What they say is what's important. The camera focuses on their briefing documents, their hands, the uniforms, the endless ritual of cigarettes…
MAJOR
I'm going to detail a few of the improvements made
to War Plan Red since the last briefing. In particular,
you'll see on page nine that the estimated duration of
the War Plan has been extended from 'short term'
to 'indefinite.'
COLONEL
Why, major?
MAJOR
Good question, sir. We're relying on intelligence
which says the RED race – that is, the British – while
more or less phlegmatic, is quite likely to fight to
the finish. In addition, sir, there is the likelihood
that RED will be reinforced with (coughs)
colored troops.
COLONEL
Nothing to sneeze at. Some of the colored races
come of good fighting stock. Under white leadership –
GENERAL
(nodding)
– make 'em into very efficient troops.
CUT TO —
FIFTH INTERVIEW: ANOTHER HISTORIAN
explains the plan wasn't to win the war outright, but rather to fight Britain to a stalemate. This way, a powerful economic competitor – the British Empire – would be eliminated.
RICHARD PRESTON
tells us that the losses of Hawaii and the Panama Canal were contemplated.
LEFTIST HISTORIAN
contrasts this with the 'official version' of friendship between US and British Empire.
PENTAGON SPOKESPERSON
emphasizes close working relationship and mutual respect of Britain & US.
SIXTH INTERVIEW: MILITARY HISTORIAN
describes possible warfare between US and Britain in the 1930s – what form it might have taken, and where it most likely would have been.
CUT TO —
ARCHIVE / RECREATION
LONDON EXT 1936. Air-raid drill in Piccadilly, News Placards report war with US, cinemas showing American films are vandalized, hot dogs are off the menu (school kids, cockneys, stamp on sausages).
QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEWEES:
Was there a chance that Britain might have been bombed by the Americans?
Or was this technologically impossible? No long-range bombers… so necessary to establish bases en route to Britain – say, in Canada – first.
Hence the invasion of Canada always a part of War Plan Red.
CUT TO —
US WAR DEPARTMENT INT DAY
More high-ranking MILITARY. An older GENERAL speaks.
GENERAL
Major, can you tell me WHY we're spending this time
discussing war with the Brits?
MAJOR
Sir, as I understand it, the war aim of RED in a
war with BLUE, that is, the Brits' aim, against us,
is conceived to be the definite elimination of BLUE
– meaning the United States, sir – as an important
economic and commercial rival.
GENERAL
In other words, we gotta get them –
MAJOR
– before they get us first, yes, sir.
COLONEL
What kind of British action are we prepared for, Major?
MAJOR
Well, sir, in the event of a Limey SNEAK ATTACK,
we'd expect them to invade by land, via their dominion
CRIMSON –
GENERAL
Crimson?
MAJOR
Canada, sir. Or, perhaps by sea, with amphibious
landings on various American beaches, including
Rehoboth and Ocean City.
CUT TO —
LEFTIST HISTORIAN
on historical pretexts for war.
SEVENTH INTERVIEW: FLOYD RUDMAN, psychologist
on the US need for a pretext – a reason – to go to war, even if the reason is ridiculous.
CUT TO —
RECREATION
STAFF CAR INT DAY
GENERAL
– fifth columnists?
MAJOR
Sir?
COLONEL
The General's asking what you're going to do
about the problem of the nationals, the British
nationals over here.
MAJOR
That's been addressed, sir, on page 17. You'll
see, sir, paragraph 4, plans have been made to
deal internally with the large number of Brits
and Canadians living in the United States,
and also with a small number of professional
pacifists and communists.
GENERAL
How will you deal with them?
MAJOR
How will we deal with them, sir?
GENERAL
It doesn't say here in the plan.
MAJOR
Yes, sir.
ARCHIVE
Shots of INTERNMENT CAMPS in the California and Nevada desert.
This is footage of the Japanese internment camps from WW2 – from a distance,
behind barbed wire, the JAPANESE-AMERICANS could be CANADIANS, or BRITISH.
1930s. Shots of hungry-looking English people. Everybody a home gardener.
Air raid sirens on poles. Emaciated faces scan the sky, anxiously expecting war.
NARRATOR
War Plan Red didn't aim to destroy Britain,
but to break up the empire. War against
Britain became the excuse for another,
bigger war, with an even bigger prize at
stake.
MAP/ANIMATION
BRITISH EMPIRE, initially a red mass covering a quarter of the world, breaks apart under the weight of many small feints and battles, shrinks to a tiny island with some offshore colonies. The world turns. CANADA appears, on the horizon.
CUT TO —
EIGHTH INTERVIEW: AN ECONOMIST
Talks about companies' and empires' need to grow – expanding markets.
JOURNALIST/HISTORIAN
On historical US expansion – the annexation of Mexican territory – California, the South-West – the purchase of Alaska, the seizure of Hawaii and the Philippines, the theft of Panama from Colombia, control of Central America, capture of Cuba from Spain…
NINTH INTERVIEW: CANADIAN HISTORIAN
On the great mineral wealth of Canada.
TENTH INTERVIEW: MILITARY HISTORIAN
On the strategic importance of Canada.
PART TWO – THE ANNEXATION OF CANADA
ARCHIVE – Canadian travelogue, from the 1030s. Includes the first colour archive material.
NARRATOR
The first plan for the invasion of Canada was
drafted in 1924. It was planned that, in the event
of war between the United States and Britain,
even if Canada declared herself neutral,
she would be invaded and occupied.
SOUND OF WARPLANES – shadows over the Rocky Mountains.
MAP / ANIMATION – the INVASION PLAN
While the US NAVY blockades Canada's Atlantic and Pacific ports, the US ARMY invades on three fronts:
from Vermont, to take Montreal and Quebec, from North Dakota, to grab the railroad interchange at Winnipeg, and from the Midwest, to seize strategic nickel mines in Ontario.
ARCHIVE
American politicians talk of Canada.
ARCHIVE
American military on the US-Canadian relationship.
RECREATION
US WAR DEPARTMENT INT DAY
NARRATOR
In October 1934 the US Secretary of War and the
Secretary of the Navy authorized the strategic
bombing of Halifax, Montreal, and Quebec City.
On the table, a big map of CANADA, with toy planes and divisions being moved around.
NARRATOR
The US Army simultaneously made "all necessary
preparations for the use of chemical warfare from
the outbreak of war."
ARCHIVE
US troops with chemical weapons.
MONTAGE / ANIMATION / ARCHIVE
The American air invasion of Canada.
RECREATION
Poison gas attacks on Quebec and Halifax
NARRATOR
The US military believed that poison gas, dropped
on Canadian cities, would make the Canadians
surrender more quickly, and reduce US casualties.
Grim scenes of Canadians being gassed from the air.
MILITARY HISTORIAN 2
On the us of poison gas by powers in the 1920s and 30s.
CANADIAN DOCTOR
On the medical effects of poison gas.
CANADIAN HISTORIAN
On the likely political result.
QUEBECOIS HISTORIAN
On the impact on French Canada.
MEXICAN HISTORIAN
On the message to the world.
ARCHIVE
1935 – the US holds its largest-ever military manoeuvres, with more than 50,000 troops
practicing a motorized invasion of Canada.
CUT TO —
ARCHIVE – WHITE HOUSE EXT DAY
Franklin D Roosevelt, President…
CUT TO —
RECREATION
WHITE HOUSE INT DAY
In the shadows of his office, ROOSEVELT signs off on the invasion plans.
NARRATOR
By 1939 the President himself had given
approval for the invasion plans.
As with the military, we don't see him directly, but concentrate on his hands – the pen with which he
signs the document. His glasses, his cigarette holder.
HISTORIAN
on what ROOSEVELT's approval meant. Was a US invasion really imminent?
HISTORIAN
Or was it just a contingency plan, a daydream?
ARCHIVE
Aggressive US footage – preferably politicians threatening Canada.
LATIN AMERICAN HISTORIAN
On American 'manoeuvres' in Honduras throughout the 1980s – more than 100,000 US troops involved. Viewed at the time primarily as a threat, an intimidation – like the invasion of Panama in 1989. But – if the Sandinistas had won a second national election that same year, say – who can say that the 'manoeuvres' might not have become an actual invasion – as in Grenada, as in Haiti?
RECREATION —
US NAVAL WAR COLLEGE INT DAY
A land-sea based invasion plan is being strategized. The table map shows HALIFAX,
invaded by land and sea.
ARCHIVE
WORLD WAR TWO begins in Europe.
NARRATOR
Pending the outcome of the war in Europe,
the invasion of Canada was put on hold.
CUT TO —
CANADIAN HISTORIAN
On the incorporation of Canada – politically, militarily, culturally – into the USA.
MILITARY HISTORIAN
On the same.
LEFTIST HISTORIAN
On one of the outcomes of WW2 – the destruction of the British Empire.
11th INTERVIEW – WASHINGTON POST JOURNALIST
In a 'light' article about American War Plans, the Washington Post reported a US war plan against Nazi Germany – code-named BLACK. What were the details of this plan?
RUDMIN INTERVIEW
There was no plan for war with Germany. The Washington Post misstates the historical record. Germany had a code name: BLACK. But no US war plans were made against Germany.
12th INTERVIEW: CHARLES HIGHAM, author, "Trading With The Enemy"
Talks about US oligarchical and corporate links to Nazi Germany.
While some wealthy Americans opposed the Nazis, others were in no rush to go to war against their business partners, and ideological allies.
PART THREE – WAR FOR OIL
MAP / ANIMATION
North America from space, closing in on TAMPICO and the oil-rich Gulf of Mexico.
As we close in, it becomes apparent that the Mexican ports are blockaded by American warships.
NARRATOR
The plan to invade and conquer Mexico was
code-named War Plan Green.
ARCHIVE
When MEXICO CITY was beautiful!
MEXICAN HISTORIAN
On the creation of a provocation, an excuse: the Maine, the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Legitimate nationalist feeling in Mexico could easily be turned into one of these.
MEXICAN POLITICIAN
On the nationalisation of the oil wells, by President CARDENAS, in 1938.
LEFTIST HISTORIAN
On debate as to whether US should seize oil wells. Only a few decades since US Marines had attacked "The Halls of Monteczuma" and invaded Mexico City. US politicians' tendency to treat the country as theirs.
ARCHIVE
Congressional Rep. HAMILTON FISH demands the invasion of Mexico.
ARCHIVE/RECREATION
US planes over TAMPICO.
Smoke-filled back rooms with maps, again.
MAJOR
The oil fields of Tampico and Tuxpan are important
not only to the commerce of the United States and
of the world, but to that of Mexico. The fields are
largely owned by American and British interests,
and are susceptible to great damage by the Mexicans.
It is therefore important to seize these fields at once.
NARRATOR
War Plan Green was approved by the US Secretary
of War in August 1919.
SFX/ARCHIVE
The bombing and naval raid on TUXPAN and the oil ports.
NARRATOR
The small Mexican air force was to be decimated
by a surprise American attack. The US planned to
trap the Mexican army in Mexico City, and there
to bomb it into submission.
SFX/ARCHIVE
American bombers over Mexico City. Shock and awe!
RECREATION – AN EXPENSIVE RESTAURANT
NARRATOR
In 1927 War Plan Green was revised to include
an economic embargo against Mexico, and plans
for the post-invasion phase.
Where US MILITARY MEN are joined by Madison Avenue AD MEN, and James-Carvell-type ELECTION FIXERS. Much smoking, much drinking.
FIXER
An attack on Mexico City will, after it's been
successful, afford us the facilities we'll need to
reorganize and re-establish the government.
COLONEL
The period of active operations will be short,
as compared to the period of guerrilla operations.
The early disbandment of US troops is highly
desirable.
AD MAN
It's the testimony of all well acquainted with the
Mexican character that any number of Mexicans
can be hired to fight against anyone, and for
anyone, who'll regularly pay and feed them.
(laughter)
No, seriously – the Mexican soldier will be
cheaper and more efficient against these bandits
than our own boys, and the cost can be charged
against the Mexican government.
ANGLE ON A MEXICAN NATIONAL
Who has been hired to represent the US in this crucial post-invasion phase.
Right now he is a seedy-looking businessman in a suit.
MEXICAN BUSINESSMAN
(in English)
An army can certainly be established which will
not be anti-American, and which may, for many
years in the future, exercise on the Mexican
government – my, uh, our government, an
influence favourable to the United States.
RECREATION – ZOCALO, MEXICO
The members of a new PUPPET GOVERNMENT appear on the balcony of the
Palacio Nacional. The seedy-looking businessman now wears the Presidential sash. He addresses a battery of antique microphones.
Shooting can be heard, not far off.
MEXICAN BUSINESSMAN
(in Spanish)
All is now calm. Peace has returned to Mexico.
A corrupt and warlike tyrant has been overthrown.
Do not resist our American allies, my friends.
Until this banditry and terrorism end, we shall
continue to need their support!
Our first priority is two-fold: reform, by greatly
reducing a bloated and corrupt bureaucracy;
and security – particularly the security of our
oil production facilities, which these bandits,
led by foreign infiltrators, seek to destroy —
More gunshots, nearer. The new PUPPET GOVERNMENT does not look reforming, or secure.
RECREATION – THE JUNGLE
A line of MEXICAN GUERRILLA FIGHTERS, of all ages and sexes, armed with all manner of weapons, marches through the jungle, as planes, unseen, fly overhead.
NARRATOR
Officially, the US War College had disdain for
the fighting abilities of the Mexicans. In reality,
their only strategic goal was to seize and hold
the oil fields. The US hoped to disengage from
the rest of Mexico as quickly as possible,
fearing a prolonged civil war.
The line goes on and on. It does not end.
As it continues, the weapons and the clothes of the GUERRILLAS become more modern.
The later ones have AK-47s, and GPS devices, SKI MASKS, and CELL PHONES.
FINAL INTERVIEWS
FLOYD RUDMIN
On the similarities between WAR PLAN GREEN and the current invasion of IRAQ:
in both plans, the goal is to seize control of another country's oil;
both plans prioritize protection of those facilities;
economic sanctions weaken the nation prior to the invasion;
both rely on the collusion of the media, pretending the invasion is benevolent;
the war is seen as quick and easy to win;
a puppet government is set up to serve US interests;
a national militia army is created to replace US occupation forces;
and the conquered nation is forced to pay the costs of the invasion.
RUDMIN
Thus, the current US plan for the invasion,
occupation and continuing control of Iraq is
not new. It is almost 100 years old.
THE LAST IMAGES depict the US occupation of IRAQ, and CHAOS in the MIDDLE EAST.
NARRATOR
These three American War Plans tell us some
disturbing things about the World's last superpower
– about America's attitude towards its allies, about
the motivation behind its lofty statements, and its
inexplicable acts of terrorism and war.
The most lesson, perhaps, is that of War Plan Green.
War Plan Green, the invasion of Mexico, equals
War Plan Iraq. This suggests that the invasion of
Iraq was not a mistake, but part of long-term US
policy, to seize and control the World's oil assets.
It suggests, most horribly that everything in Iraq
is going according to plan.
TITLE: AGAINST THE WORLD
© 2006 CFM Inc.