The Report of the Iraq Inquiry

237. The US would run 14 of them, and the UK four. No decision had been taken as to

whether these four should all be within the South-East to match the UK area of military

responsibility. Mr Andy Bearpark had advised against such a move, because of concern

that the US might then expect the UK to fund the entire effort in the South-East, meaning

that the South-East might not receive its proper share of CPA funds.

238. At the meeting of the AHMGIR on 17 July, FCO officials reported that:

“International reactions [to the GC] had been mixed, with some countries … notably

cautious. Bremer was beginning to think a further transitional step was necessary

between the Governing Council and a fully representative government to provide

cover for other countries to support reconstruction.”114

239. In discussion, a member of the AHMGIR made the point that a better

communications strategy was needed to explain the role of the GC to the Iraqi people.

240. On 17 July, Mr Blair visited Washington to deliver a speech to a joint session of the

US Congress,115 which had awarded him the Congressional Gold Medal. He also met the

Congressional leadership and, separately, President Bush.116

241. Mr Blair told Congress that:

“… when we invade Afghanistan or Iraq, our responsibility does not end with military

victory.

“Finishing the fighting is not finishing the job.

…

“We promised Iraq democratic government. We will deliver it.

“We promised them the chance to use their oil wealth to build prosperity for all their

citizens, not a corrupt elite, and we will do so. We will stay with these people so in

need of our help until the job is done.”117

242. Mr Rycroft suggested to Mr Blair that, in relation to Iraq, the aim of his meeting with

President Bush should be:

“Agreement on a joint line on yellowcake [uranium] etc; public focus on the

Governing Council; commitment to provide whatever resources are needed

(a) to find the WMD, (b) to put Iraq on a stable footing, and (c) to resolve the

communications problems dogging the CPA.”118

114 Minutes, 17 July 2003, Ad Hoc Group on Iraq Rehabilitation meeting.

115 Comprising members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

116 Letter [Private Secretary] to Adams, 18 July 2003, ‘Prime Minister’s Visit to Washington, 17 July’.

117 www.CNN.com, ‘Transcript of Blair’s speech to Congress’.

118 Minute Rycroft to Prime Minister, 16 July 2003, ‘Washington’.

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