Dear Chris,
IRAQ: UK MILITARY PRESENCE
The Prime Minister met the Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary
International Development Secretary, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and CDS
on 27 May. Jonathan Powell, Nigel Sheinwald, John Scarlett, Desmond Bowen
and I were also present. This letter is sensitive and must be seen only by those
with a real need to know.
The Prime Minister agreed with the general terms of the Defence
Secretary's proposed statement to be made in the House of Commons later on 27
May on the reinforcement and re-roling of MND(SE) units (Mike Naworynsky's
letters of 25 and 26 May to me).
There was a short discussion - but no decisions - on the options for a UK
military contribution to the wider South (Mike Naworynsky's other letter of 25
May to me). The Prime Minister said that of course we must do what was
necessary for the success of the overall mission in Iraq. These operational
military judgements must take precedence over any political considerations.
It was agreed that the Ministers would meet again on 3 June for a fuller
discussion.
CDS explained that some preparatory steps would be required before then.
for instance discussion with industry and work on
The Prime Minister agreed that these could begin.
The Prime Minister said that for the 3 June meeting he would like to see a
full, detailed plan on Iraqi-isation of security forces. (Comment: MOD have this
in hand, with other Government departments. This will be a very important
piece of work. )
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27 MAY 2004
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MATTHEW RYCROFT
Chris Baker
MOD
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