A group of the world's most powerful animal rights groups launched a coordinated assault on the integrity of Caribbean nations on Monday, claiming that several only support the sustainable use of whales at the IWC because of overseas aid payments from Japan. This was strongly denied by Caribbean leaders and Japan.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which together have an annual income approaching $1 billion to spend on campaigns, offered no direct evidence to support their allegations, relying instead on innuendo and references to similar allegations they have made in the past.

This time the charges were more vicious and unequivocal, raising diplomatic eyebrows even from some delegates who are used to collaborating with the campaigners.

Eugene Lapointe, President of IWMC, said: "When you run out of arguments as these groups have, you look for alternative tactics. The problem is, they have absolutely no solid evidence to support their accusations and they are increasingly being viewed as racially motivated. White males are portraying blacks and Asians as lacking integrity whereas, in reality, it is the wealthy western accusers that are acting in an immoral way. It is 'shock and awe' gone crazy."

New Zealand Conservation Minister, Chris Carter, repeated the allegations in radio interviews broadcast in New Zealand but also failed to specify any evidence.

Japan issued a statement pointing out that it provides aid to 150 nations, none of which is linked to specific issues. Substantial support goes to anti-whaling countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, India, Mexico and South Africa, with much smaller amounts going to Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Dominica. In 1999 the anti-whaling countries received a total of more than $11 billion, whereas the Caribbean nations received only $125 million.