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15.1 | Civilian personnel
personnel was increased from 16 to 68 and the contract extended to 31 March 2004,
reflecting the expected increase in staff numbers in Basra and the recognition that
“a permissive security environment will not be a reality for some time”.
239.  On 24 November, Mr Straw requested £2m from the Treasury for “essential
new, secure accommodation for UK civilian staff in Baghdad”.166 He explained that
the security review after the al‑Rashid bombing had recommended conversion of the
ground floor of a car park near the Convention Centre in the Green Zone into secure
accommodation. Mr Straw advised Mr Boateng that the work would be completed in
January. In the meantime:
“… ad hoc accommodation for staff is extremely uncomfortable and unsatisfactory
from a security point of view. To reduce discomfort somewhat, many staff are now
sleeping in vulnerable trailers. We cannot allow this situation to continue any longer
than absolutely necessary.”
240.  Mr Boateng approved the request on 8 December.167
241.  The IPU briefing for Mr Straw’s visit to Iraq on 25 and 26 November included an
update on staff security.168
242.  The IPU explained that FCO Overseas Security Advisers (OSAs) made regular
joint visits with DFID to Iraq. There had been four visits since May 2003. The next was
scheduled for the turn of the year.
243.  The IPU summarised security provision in Baghdad, Basra and the governorates:
Mobile Security
“All travel outside the Secure Zones must be in full armoured convoys with a
minimum of two vehicles. There are currently 52 armoured vehicles in Iraq,
shared between Baghdad and Basra, and six Governorate Teams. 23 more will
arrive in theatre by the end of November. A further 40 will arrive by February. All
such convoys include a four‑man armed protection team supplied under contract
by Control Risks Group (CRG). There are a total of 26 teams, with 104 men.
A further six teams will deploy as additional armoured vehicles arrive.
Static Security
“Security for the CPA Green (Secure) Zone in Baghdad is provided by the US
military and Global Security (a private British company). The unoccupied British
Embassy compound (containing the partially‑built flat pack Embassy) and the
166  Letter Straw to Chief Secretary to the Treasury, 24 November 2003, ‘Physical and Protective Security
for UK Civilian Staff in Baghdad’.
167  Letter Boateng to Straw, 8 December 2003, ‘Iraq Reserve Claim’.
168  Minute IPU [junior official] to PS [FCO], 24 November 2003, ‘Iraq: Briefing for Visit – 25‑26 November
2003’ attaching Paper, ‘Meetings with British Staff’.
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