3.8  |  Development of UK strategy and options, 8 to 20 March 2003

mode. One of the larger issues is whither US/UN relations. Powell said today that

the UN would survive, but was equally clear that the UNSC had failed a crucial test

… the Administration hawks who cautioned Bush against the UN route last summer

are sourcing stories making their opposition at that time clear.”

864.  The Embassy also reported that US public support for war had risen to its highest

level since November 2001, “though support would drop to 47 percent without a second

resolution”. Mr Blair’s role had “won fulsome praise from some unexpected quarters”.

865.  Secretary Powell announced in his morning press conference on 17 March that

President Bush would issue an ultimatum during his address to the nation that evening

calling for Saddam and his cohorts to leave Iraq.309

866.  In an “Address to the Nation” at 8pm Eastern Standard Time on 17 March,

President Bush stated that “the final days of decision” had been reached and issued

an ultimatum giving Saddam Hussein and his sons 48 hours to leave Iraq.310

867.  President Bush stated that the world had “engaged in 12 years of diplomacy” and

“sent hundreds of weapons inspectors to oversee the disarmament of Iraq” but:

“Our good faith has not been returned.

“The Iraqi regime has used diplomacy as a ploy to gain time and advantage …

Peaceful efforts to disarm the Iraqi regime have failed … because we are not dealing

with peaceful men.

“Intelligence gathered by this and other governments leaves no doubt that the

Iraqi regime continues to possess and conceal some of the most lethal weapons

ever devised …

“The regime has a history of reckless aggression … It has a deep hatred of

America and our friends. And it has aided, trained and harbored terrorists, including

operatives of Al Qaida.

“The danger is clear: using chemical, biological or, one day, nuclear weapons,

obtained with the help of Iraq, the terrorists could fulfill their stated ambitions and

kill hundreds of thousands of innocent people …

“… Before the day of horror can come, before it is too late to act, this danger will

be removed.

“The United States of America has the sovereign authority to use force in assuring

its own national security. That duty falls to me …

309  Telegram 354 Washington to FCO London, 18 March 2003, ‘US/Iraq: Update’.

310  The White House, 17 March 2003, President says Saddam Hussein must leave within 48 hours.

553