The Report of the Iraq Inquiry

404. Sir David Manning and Sir Richard Dearlove visited Washington again on

21 January 2002.194

405. In relation to discussions on Iraq, Sir David reported that there was an expectation

that Saddam Hussein would “make a display of renewed co-operation” in the coming

weeks. That would “probably include some kind of offer on inspections”. The US would

“resist sham inspections” which took the pressure off Saddam Hussein and “did nothing

to further our interests”. One senior US individual had suggested that it would be easier

if Saddam Hussein “remained completely obdurate so that we were not faced with

predictable arguments about giving him another chance”. That was “just what he wanted”.

406. Sir David added that the US Administration’s “view remained that we should be

pushing ahead for regime change”. He had said that Mr Blair:

“… favoured regime change but wanted a carefully constructed strategy. We must

not rush in and fail. It seemed to me very unlikely that we would be in a position

to take serious action before Saddam made a move on inspectors. We would have

to factor this in.”

407. Sir David reported that the timing of a strategy for dealing with Saddam Hussein

was vague and there was “no sign that Washington has a clear plan that would allow

early action”. Any UK contribution would need Mr Blair’s endorsement and “might have

to be processed through the Attorney”. The US and UK would look at options. There

were some doubts about whether a strategy for regime change would be viable.

408. Sir David Manning told the Inquiry that the visit took place:

“… in the knowledge that Iraq had been the subject of considerable debate

in Washington … and I recall saying to Dr Rice that if there was a review …

it would certainly … have to include the whole question of how to incorporate

inspections …”195

409. Mr Powell told the Inquiry that Sir David had told Dr Rice that the UK would need

the advice of the Attorney General before any action at any stage would be possible.196

410. Following a visit to Baghdad by Mr Amre Moussa, the Secretary General of the

Arab League, on 18 and 19 January, Mr John Sawers, British Ambassador to Egypt,

reported that Mr Moussa had told him Saddam Hussein had:

• shown “the seeds of flexibility” during the visit and professed a desire to re-open

a dialogue with Mr Annan, without pre-conditions and with an open agenda,

194 Minute Manning to Powell, 22 January 2002, ‘Talks with Condi Rice, 21 January: Iraq’.

195 Public hearing, 30 November 2009, page 10.

196 Public hearing, 18 January 2010, page 100.

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