6.5 | Planning and preparation for a post-Saddam Hussein Iraq, January to March 2003

that looked like pre-emption while the second resolution was still under discussion.

Mr Watkins recommended that Mr Hoon use that opening to pursue with Gen Franks

the UK’s preference for “a ‘transitional civilian administration’ under UN auspices”.

616. Mr Hoon and AM Burridge met Gen Franks in Qatar on 26 February. The MOD

record makes no reference to discussion of the duration of a transitional administration

or a UN mandate.265 During an exchange on the build-up of Coalition Forces in the

region, Mr Hoon told Gen Franks that “politicians had a natural tendency to put off

decisions. It was important that the military robustly told the politicians when they

had to go.”

617. Mr Blair made no reference to post-conflict planning in his statement on Iraq to the

House of Commons on 25 February.266

618. In response to questions from Mr Iain Duncan Smith, Leader of the Opposition,

about UN humanitarian contingency planning and “what contingencies the Government

have planned for a representative government in Iraq”, Mr Blair stated:

“In relation to humanitarian considerations and what type of government might

succeed the government of Saddam … that is something we are discussing closely

with allies and the UN. I should like to emphasise that in my view if it comes to

conflict the UN’s role in the resulting humanitarian situation and in finding the right

way through for Iraq will be immensely important …”267

619. Mr Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, asked Mr Blair:

“… what post-war scenario do the Government envisage? Would they prefer a

United States-administered post-conflict Iraq or some form of UN protectorate? What

will our contribution be in such circumstances?”268

620. Mr Blair stated that, if it came to conflict, he had:

“… made it clear that the UN must have a key role; exactly what that role will be is

another thing that we are discussing with the UN and with allies now.”269

He did not answer Mr Kennedy’s question about the UK contribution.

265 Minute Williams to DG Op Pol, 27 February 2003, ‘Secretary of State’s call on General Franks