Here at Defence Viewpoints we get lots of spam emails inviting us to bank a fortune for an unfortunate. But this is the first one we've had from a purported American soldier (we've mangled the email address just in case you feel tempted, but our in house expert tells us it's registered in Hong Kong...).And don't you just love the precision of the amount allegedly looted?

Dear Friend,

I am an American soldier, In foreign service with the Third infantry Division in Iraq, I and my superior moved part of discovered funds belonging to fleeing regime leaders in Iraq, the total amount is $50,000,000.00 US dollars.

This money is being kept safe in a secured location we would disclose to you later.You can go through this web link to understand events that took place in Iraq.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm

Basically, since we are in government service and we are not allowed to have or keep discovered looted funds around us, we have decided to look for someone to help us relocate and keep this funds for us, that is why I have contacted you, so that you can keep it for us in your safe account or custody untill we complete our foreign service in Iraq.

You will take30%, while 70% will be for me and my partner. This business is confidential, and it should not be discussed with anyone. There is no risk involved whatsoever as it is only me and my partner that knows the present location of the money.

If you are interested I will send you operational details, YOUR PHYSICAL ADDRESS, YOUR FULL NAMES,YOUR OCCUPATION, YOUR TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND FAX,YOUR MARITAL STATUS AND AGE. my job is to find a good partner that we can trust and that will assist us.

Can I trust you? To ensure confidentiality, when you receive this letter,kindly reply me via e-mail:signifying your interest including your phone and fax numbers for quick communication and also your physical locational address.

Please send your response to(xxxxxxx@yahoo.com.hk)

Yours Truely

Capt Edward Jones

France vs. South Africa, Tuesday 13:30 [SAST]
At a June 14th press conference, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, standing next to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, played down the differences between the two countries in an attempt to show that Franco-German leadership of the European Union remains strong. In one sense, France and Germany remain on a co-equal basis – each lost World Cup matches this week. But that's where the balance ends. In recent weeks, Paris acquiesced to several German demands and agreed to drop a proposal for new eurozone institutions, enact unpopular budgetary cuts, and accept that tough penalties will be imposed on states skirting eurozone budgetary rules. In short, Paris is quickly becoming a follower in the German-French leadership duo of the EU.

By Great North News Services staff reporter

The UK MoD has just placed a £303,500 contract for around 20,000 Model 4B NATO standard compasses with Silva Limited, a 10 person company in Livingston, West Lothian. Previously made in Scotland, compasses of this sort now come from Sweden.

The West Lothian Question is of course, why does the MoD need all these compasses all of a sudden? And have they paid a reasonable price to the single supplier with whom they negotiated a deal?

Nelson: "Order the signal, Hardy."

Hardy: "Aye, aye sir."

Nelson: "Hold on, that's not what I dictated to Flags. What's the meaning of this?"

Hardy: "Sorry sir?"

The United Nations is considering creating a combined strike force with troops from several nations included in it. However, could it work? Let's take a look at one sample operation. A combined force beach landing on a tropical island. When the troops hit the beach.........

* The Royal Marines go fishing.
* The US Marines wait for CNN to arrive.
* The French don't care whose beach it is; it's French territory now, and say the English gave them no other choice.
* The Canadians watch the Americans very closely, then offer to guard their landing strip.
* The Dutch have a beach party and smoke some dope saying the English don't understand them.
* The Italians go sunbathing.