DFID'S PERFORMANCE ON IRAQ: LETTER FROM SALLY KEEBLE
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You should see the attached letter from Sally Keeble. In it she makes some
serious allegation's about DfID's under-performance on Iraq under Clare Short.
She says in particular that:
- There were disastrous consequences of Clare's political position, including
the lack of pre-planning, difficulties in providing humanitarian supplies to
troops, and refusal to engage fully with ORHA/CPA.
- DfID's internal organisation was weak and staff dealing with Iraq were
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inexperienced.
- Financial aid was mismanaged, with a large part of DfID's £210 million
going unallocated.
She also says that even after Clare's departure DfID have been slow to reengage
with the CPA.
From what DM and I have seen from here, Sally's letter is accurate in
highlighting DfID's failure to pre-plan and to engage with CPA. But we cannot
comment on the detail of her points on financial management.
DECLASSIFIED

The question is whether the allegations - particularly those on financial
management - should be looked into more formally.
Do you want us to copy the letter to others, including the Cabinet Secretary, for
them to pursue?
I think you should write Sally a short reply thanking her for her work in DfID
and for her letter, and say that you are looking into the important points that she
has made.
MATTHEW RYCROFT
DECLASSIFIED