Letter boateng to straw iraq reserve claim reconstructing the media network

16 October 2003 sock, IRAG RESERVE CLAIM: RECONSTRUCTING THE MEDIA NETWORK Thank you for your letter of 6 October seeking a Reserve Claim to cover the £13.9m cost of the UK contribution to the new strategy for the Iraq Media Network. 2. I am aware of how important an effective media strategy is to the success of the CPA. However, I am afraid that I cannot at this time agree to a claim of this size for two reasons: first I am yet to be convinced that the proposals as they currently stand would deliver value for money and second I must ask you to explore more fully the use of existing resources. 3. First, I have not yet seen sufficient evidence to convince me that all elements of the UK contribution have been DECLASSIFIED effect and exactly how much that will cost. 4. Second, while I of course accept the importance of this activity, this does not mean that it warrants automatic access to the Reserve, which as you know is already fully committed. I would ask you to look again at the resources available within your own department, within other departments and in the Global Conflict Prevention Pool. A Government that partnership should be formed within identifies ways to work towards this objective within existing resources. 5. I am also aware that DFID are planning to spend £6 million on broadcasting in the south of Iraq - almost exactly the same amount of money that you are seeking to spend in Basrah. I would therefore ask that your officials work with DFID to reconcile what we are seeking to achieve in terms of broadcasting in the south and how the costs can best be met. DECLASSIFIED I am entirely appropriate that the FCO do the same. grateful that your officials have confirmed that the outstanding £5million from the Global Opportunities Fund (GOF) is available and I would ask that you agree to its release as soon as possible so as to finalise the agreement on the overall package you announced at GAC earlier this week. 7. I share your commitment to effective communications in Iraq and I feel sure that with some creative thinking and further effort across departments, we can avoid a claim on the Reserve in this instance. I am copying this letter/to the Prime Minister and to Hilary Benn. PAUL BOATENG DECLASSIFIED