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’.
285