The Report
of the Iraq Inquiry
508.
Mr Charles
Kennedy wrote to Mr Blair on 26 March “in advance of your
meeting
with
President Bush to express the concern that many feel with regard to
the possibility
of military
action against Iraq”.186
“… those of
us who believe that the case for fresh military action remains
unproven
are in no
way apologists for a brutal dictator who subjects his own people
to
ignominy
and deprivation, flouts international law, and continues to pose a
threat to
international
security.
“Military
action should never be undertaken without clear and realistic
political
objectives
that are capable of achievement, and always as a last resort after
all
other
available means of achieving those objectives have been explored. I
urge you
to seek
such avenues with the same vigour and determination which you
showed in
helping to
build the international coalition against terrorism …
“It is
axiomatic that those of us who seek to make Iraq fulfil its
obligations under
international
law, should ensure that any action taken to impose these
obligations is
supported
by international law.
“… there is
no evidence to link Baghdad with the events of 11 September. Nor
is
there any
published evidence of the chemical, biological or nuclear
capability of Iraq
since the
withdrawal of the UNSCOM inspectors in 1998, but it would be
reasonable
to conclude
from past history that there is a strong probability that such
capabilities
exist or at
least are being actively pursued.
“The return
of the weapons inspectors … must remain the international
community’s
priority. I
would therefore urge engagement with the regime to solicit
agreement on
access
…
“Before the
UK lends its support for action against Iraq, the Government
must
be
satisfied that there is no other course of action open to the
international
community.
I would also urge the Government should seek the views of the
elected
representatives
of the British People in debate and a substantive motion before
the
House of
Commons before any further British forces be deployed beyond
present
military
commitments against Iraq.”
510.
Mr Powell
advised Mr Blair that the objectives for his meeting with
President
Bush were
to “agree sensible plans” on both Iraq and the MEPP; and
to
“capitalise”
on his standing in the US and support for the US
Administration.
186
Letter
Kennedy to Blair, 26 March 2002, [untitled].
478