The Report of the Iraq Inquiry

537. Mr Blair told Cabinet on 13 November that President Bush would visit the UK the

following week, and that it was important for policy issues, including Iraq, to be the focus

of the visit.297 Mr Blair judged that:

“While we should not expect that the visit would be universally acclaimed here, we

should take political advantage by entering into debate on the issues.”

538. On 13 November, Sir Nigel reported a telephone conversation with Dr Rice in

which she indicated that President Bush had agreed on a new sequence for the political

process.298 This was:

“… basic law; interim Parliament; provisional Government; transfer of sovereignty

and end of the CPA.”

539. There was no firm plan for what would replace the CPA. The US envisaged

elections by mid-June and the provisional Government in place in July, followed by the

handover of power. Ambassador Bremer would put this new proposal to the GC.

540. During his visit to Washington, on 13 November Mr Straw discussed Ambassador

Bremer’s revised proposals for the political process with Secretary Powell.299

541. Secretary Powell explained that Ambassador Bremer had proposed a target of

June/July for the transfer of sovereignty. Sir Jeremy Greenstock suggested that the new

timetable meant that instead of popular elections to a transitional assembly, a caucus

process would be needed.

542. Mr Straw indicated “probable UK approval” of the new timetable.

543. On 14 November, Mr Crompton wrote to Mr Richmond on the Constitutional

process.300 He indicated general pleasure with US plans. For the selection of the

“Transitional Legislative Assembly” he favoured:

“… a national conference of notables from all the Governorates to launch the

process, and a further round of consultations at the end to debate, amend and,

we hope, endorse the fundamental law.”

And instructed:

“You should continue to push this idea hard with Bremer.”

297 Cabinet Conclusions, 13 November 2003.

298 Letter Sheinwald to Adams, 13 November 2003, ‘Iraq: Conversation with US National Security Adviser’.

299 Telegram 1506 Washington to FCO London, 14 November 2003, ‘Foreign Secretary’s Lunch with

US Secretary of State, Washington, 13 November’.

300 Teleletter Crompton to Richmond, 14 November 2003, ‘Iraq: Constitutional Process’.

294