The Report of the Iraq Inquiry

for biological agent production and 30,000 munitions for the delivery of chemical and

biological agents”.113

331. Mr Straw reminded his colleagues that a false statement did not represent a

material breach, “but it could be a contributing factor”. The next step would be increased

efforts by the inspectors to find the evidence. The inspectors had to report to the UN

Security Council on progress by 27 January. By that time, “the Security Council could be

in a position to declare a material breach”. President Bush would be making his State of

the Union speech on 28 January.

332. Mr Hoon informed his colleagues that, “to be ready for possible military action”,

it was “increasingly necessary to make visible preparations. Contracts for equipment

would be let; Reservists and their employers would be consulted; the notice to move

for some units would be reduced; and a naval Task Group led by HMS Ark Royal

would depart for exercises.” The US had not yet finalised its military planning but it was

“already building up a formidable force and would be ready to use it”.

333. Mr Blair said that “there would be an opportunity to discuss Iraq in the New Year”.

334. Mr Campbell wrote in his diaries that Ms Clare Short, the International

Development Secretary, had pointed up the need for more discussion on Iraq.114

335. In response to a briefing from Dr Blix and Dr ElBaradei on 19 December, the

Security Council agreed to a further discussion early the following month, after

members of the Council had completed their analytical work.

336. Sir Jeremy Greenstock reported overnight on 17/18 December that Dr Blix would

tell the Security Council on 19 December that it could not have confidence that the

declaration “disposed of” the question of Iraq’s WMD holdings but that he could not say

Iraq definitely had WMD; there was more work to do and the ball was in Iraq’s court.115

337. On 17 and 18 December, Secretary Powell and Mr Straw discussed the pressure

on the US Administration to say “something strong” (in response to Dr Blix’s briefing to

Members of the Security Council) and the need to catch Iraq “red‑handed”.116

338. Dr Blix and Dr ElBaradei briefed Members of the Security Council on 19 December

on inspections in Iraq and their preliminary assessment of Iraq’s declaration.117

113 Cabinet Conclusions, 19 December 2002.

114 Campbell A & Hagerty B. The Alastair Campbell Diaries. Volume 4. The Burden of Power: Countdown

to Iraq. Hutchinson, 2012.

115 Telegram 2411 UKMIS New York to FCO London, 18 December 2002, ‘Iraq: Handling of WMD

Declaration’.

116 Letter [1] McDonald to Manning, 18 December 2002, ‘Iraq’; Letter [2] McDonald to Manning,

18 December 2002, ‘Iraq’.

117 UN Press Release, 19 December 2002, Statement to press on Iraq inspections by Security Council

President (SC/7614).

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