US in 'Star Wars' charm offensive

By BBC diplomatic correspondent Bridget Kendall

US President George W Bush has dispatched a team of senior American officials across the globe for talks on his controversial plan to build a defence against missile attack.

His charm offensive to sell missile defence - the so-called "Son of Star Wars" - is extensive; he is sending teams as far afield as Japan and Australia.

They aim to overcome open hostility in Moscow and Beijing, as well as win over sceptics in Europe.

The UK's Menwith Hill complex is an element in the defence project

Reaction to the president's announcement last week that he intended to push ahead with the scheme has ranged from reluctant acceptance among some allies to outright opposition from others.

Some warned it could prompt a new arms race, or lead to the collapse of the anti-ballistic missile treaty that since 1972 has helped balance US and Russian national securities.

In Europe, the president's team will begin its consultations at Nato headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday morning before arriving in London to talk to British officials.

The problem will be convincing allies they have come not to preach but also to listen.

For UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, on the verge of an election campaign, the issue comes at a delicate moment.

He does not want to offend Britain's strongest ally but nor does he want to seem to be appeasing Washington too readily.

No wonder British officials are downplaying Tuesday's talks. Britain does not yet want to be forced to define its position on missile defence.