3.4 | Development of UK strategy and options, late July to 14 September 2002

day join a democratic Afghanistan and a democratic Pakistan, inspiring reforms

throughout the Muslim world …”

548. President Bush concluded:

“Neither of these outcomes is certain … We must choose between a world of fear

and a world of progress. We cannot stand by and do nothing while dangers gather

… By heritage and by choice, the United States will make that stand. And, delegates

to the United Nations, you have the power to make that stand as well.”

549. President Bush also made a brief reference to the conflict between Israel and

Palestine, stating:

“… there can be no peace for either side without freedom for both sides. America

stands committed to an independent and democratic Palestine, living side by side

with Israel in peace and security … My nation will continue to encourage all parties

to step up to their responsibilities as we seek a just and comprehensive settlement

to the conflict.”

550. Dr Rice wrote in her memoir that the speech was intended to remind the audience

of the dangers of Saddam Hussein’s regime and “to put the world on notice that the

United States would act – alone if necessary – to deal with the threat”.164 President Bush

had been “supposed to call for a new resolution … Somehow it had been left out … The

President … immediately noticed the omission and ad‑libbed a line that put the fate of

Saddam into the hands of the UN Security Council.”165

551. There was uncertainty in the UK until the last moment about whether President

Bush would announce that the US would seek a new Security Council resolution on Iraq.

552. Mr Straw wrote in his memoir that he had “been slipped an advance copy” of the

speech and that he and others had:

“… spotted that the crucial line on working with the Security Council ‘for the

necessary resolution’ had been omitted … I immediately assumed dirty work … But

simple human error … was to blame. Fortunately the President spotted the omission

and ad‑libbed …”166

553. In a handwritten letter to President Bush congratulating him on the speech,

Mr Blair wrote:

“It was a brilliant speech. It puts us on exactly the right strategy to get the job done.

The reception has been very positive with every one now challenged to come up to

the mark. Well done.”167

164 Rice C. No Higher Honour: A Memoir of My Years in Washington. Simon & Schuster, 2011.

165 President Bush added: “We will work with the UN Security Council for the necessary resolutions.”

166 Straw J. Last Man Standing: Memoirs of a Political Survivor. Macmillan, 2012.

167 Letter (handwritten) Blair to Bush, 12 September 2002, [untitled].

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