GRS 200
RESTRICTED
FM FCO
TO ROUTINE BO BAGHDAD
TELNO 41
OF 041114Z AUGUST 03
AND TO ROUTINE IRAQREP, KUWAIT, DTI, UKVISAS
INFO ROUTINE GULF POSTS, MODUK, DFID,
, PJHQ UK
TEL FROM SIR HILARY SYNNOTT, CPA SOUTH
SUBJECT: IRAQ: PURSUING BRITISH INTERESTS IN SOUTHERN IRAQ
SUMMARY
1. Small UK bilateral cell needed in Basra in advance of any
Consulate.
DETAIL
2. I understand that the FCO are rightly planning towards
establishing a Consulate in Basra, looking at a December timescale.
a recce team visited at the end of last week, although they wer
constrained by security requirements and availability of help
3. I think that this is a sound objective. But it is not enough.
It is not too soon to be looking at potential commercial
opportunities in the South (a Dubai/Umm Qasr passenger ferry has just
started; the international airport should start initial operations
this month). And there are visa and consular demands from dual
nationals, holders of British passports. As the situation eases, so
we may expect a much increased flow of British visitors, including
MPs etc. So there is a clear prospect of enhanced bilateral
4. Much as the UK Nationals, including myself, in CPA (South) would
like to help over this, as you know we do not have the capacity. Nor
would it be right to do so. As the FCO agreed with Bremer before my
arrival, we are part of the CPA and I am answerable to Bremer. Time
spent on bilateral work is time lost for CPA work, which would be
apparent to other team members. That said, I would of course be glad
to offer moral support and advice on the pursuit of bilateral
interests, as others are doing for their national interests.
DECLASSIFIED

(***ADD RELEVANT GEOG DEPT]
[***ADD RELEVANT GEOG DIR]
1
ADDITIONAL
IRAQ/KUWAIT
(IRA)
1
ATT GEN//C ADAMS
0
BANKE
0
BTI1
0
BTI2
0
CAOFF1
CAOFF2
DFID1
DFID2
0
ECGD
0
FSA
HMT
MOD
NO 10
MAMIAN 9126
NNNN
DECLASSIFIED