Czechs, Poles wary of U.S. anti-missile shield

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JINCE, Czech Republic, March 11 (Reuters) - Once a frontline Soviet base, the Brdy military complex could host part of a planned U.S. anti-missile shield and local residents feel they are back in the firing line.

"Is there really a need for this? Now we are a target again," said 58-year-old bus driver Jiri Vrba.

The Americans want to build a radar site in the forested hills around the small town of Jince, some 60km (38 miles) west of Prague, where agriculture and light industry dominate the landscape.

"History is repeating itself, and it's too bad. We thought this had ended, that we wouldn't be answering to anyone else ever again," Vrba adds.

The United States says the anti-missile system will help to thwart any rocket attacks from rogue states but the plan has upset Moscow, which sees an encroachment in its former sphere of influence.

The dispute has put Jince, and nearby towns, back on the diplomatic map even if it does not even have traffic lights and many people do not have running water.

It's not that the region is anti-American. Not at all say most residents. They point out U.S. troops liberated the region in World War Two when their tanks rolled into the nearby town of Rokycany.

The family of Ray Kroc, father of the McDonald's restaurant chain, comes from nearby and a bust of him is proudly displayed at a franchise in the city of Pilsen further down the highway.

MOST CZECHS AGAINST BASE

But Czech public opinion polls mirror Vrba's words. Nearly two-thirds of the country opposes hosting the radar site even though Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek has said the government will likely approve opening talks in the coming months.

"I can see no progress in it (hosting the base)," said Josef Vondrasek, mayor of the town of Rozmital pod Tremsinem, located just down the road from Jince.

"Rather, it's a change for the worse."

Another part of the U.S. system, a missile base, is proposed for Poland. Diplomatic sources told Reuters the northern town of Slupsk near the Baltic Sea is the favoured location.

In Slupsk, a town that relies on tourism, officials and townspeople are taking a more pragmatic approach, talking up the economic benefits over the diplomatic headaches.

"I have very mixed feelings about this idea of a missile shield," said Slupsk Mayor Maciej Kobylinski.

But, he adds quickly: "The missile shield will be created no matter our opinion. So if it has to be done anyway, I want it to be done in our region."

U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic Richard Graber has visited the Brdy area, and says he understands the apprehension locals have and wants to discuss it with them. But he says the base is vital for the future security of the Czechs and Europe as a whole, not only the United States.

"It will probably end up being located here whether we like it or not. I don't see the need for such a base," said Karel, who would give only his first name, as he sits across from Vrba.

"The ambassador said it may provide some jobs, which is nice, I just hope it doesn't ruin our town, that we aren't treated disrespectfully." (Additional reporting by Gabriela Baczynska in Warsaw)

Keywords: RADAR USA/CZECH