SUMMARY
1.
We are resending this telegram which was originally meant to
To
issue on 26 September prior to my visit to the UK on 1-3 October.
some extent events have moved on but much of the substance remains
relevant.
Adequate human resources critical for CPA (S)
effectiveness.
DFID is arranging provision of 37 development
experts.
As foreshadowed previously, more are required over a range
of specialisations, total 44.
We also need a succession plan for
staff currently at post.
Details of current staffing levels, job
titles and gaps sent separately. Others coalition partners
contributing, but UK will need to continue to lead.
DETAIL
2. As you know, the bid I made some six weeks ago for 37 personnel,
to fill needs in priority development areas, was immediately endorsed
by Ministers.
DFID are now dealing with this with a view to
providing personnel with key skills on 6 month renewable contracts.
This number should also include employment of volunteers from among
I
the outgoing civilian experts provided by the Territorial Army.
look forward to receiving an update on progress when in London on 2
October.
3.
Initially focussed on securing staff in our top priority areas:
infrastructure, finance, police and security.
But I promised to
revert once further analysis had been completed. It is now clear
that, in addition to the 37 development positions above, CPA (S)
requires a further 44 staff to cover political reporting, governance
issues and CPA(S) internal support.
4. To ensure clarity, I have copied to IPU (email
Crompton), spreadsheets which set out our current positions,
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6.
Some other factors are relevant. 18 UK military pesonnel
currently seconded to CPA(S) will be drawn down to zero between now
and 28 December. They will need civilian replacements, (we have
taken this into account in the numbers in paras 2 and 3). Second,
the UK is not alone in filling the outstanding positions. Italy has
offered additional personnel; and the Danes and US are investigating.
Does the IPU have other lists?
7.
We are making progress here, despite the limited capacity and
disruption caused by short-term
secondments.
The dangers arising
from insufficient staff have been masked by our inability, until we
move premises mid-October, to house more people. Two things are
now
critical: that
we
get those additional staff requested quickly and
that current staff are succeeded smoothly and with the right people.
Ultimately, if HMG wants the South to operate to a high standard, the
UK will have to provide the lions
CPA Baghdad is not in a
share.
position to send
us more personnel. I look forward to discussing
this during calls next week.
8. Contact for tel -
on
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