النص مستخرج آلياً من صورة الوثيقة أو من ملف قديم، وقد يحتوي أخطاء في بعض الكلمات أو ترتيب الأسطر. الملف الأصلي هو المرجع.
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IRAQ: FORCE LEVEL REVIEW
We have reviewed the security situation in the Multinational Division (South East) area of responsibility in Iraq and concluded that an additional infantry company (130 personnel) is needed. The requirement is driven by deployments to Maysan, and by expanding the requirements of the CPA. This is a very small adjustment to our overall strength (about 1%). We will present it as a sensible reaction to changing circumstances.
Martyn Williams' letter of 10 July explained that the incoming commander of UK forces in Iraq and the new Multinational Division (South East) (MND(SE)), Major General Lamb, was conducting a formal review of the security situation and requirement for forces.
Major General Lamb concluded, and Defence Ministers agree, that our forces should be slightly rebalanced by deploying an additional Infantry company (some 130 personnel) to Iraq, beginning tomorrow, and by preparing additional forces based in Cyprus and the UK for short-notice reinforcement tasks, some of which may involve movement of UK troops to Cyprus for acclimatisation. In addition, a riverine capability of some 30 will deploy, subject to final reconnaissance visits.
This course of action is needed because in-theatre reserve, equipped with armoured vehicles, has now been committed to Maysan, following the incident at Al Majjarr Al Kabir and is likely to remain so. In addition, as the CPA finds its feet, additional tasks are being identified for the military to perform - for example, providing security during the payment of stipends. Paradoxically we are having to deploy more personnel partly because our reconstruction efforts Matthew Rycroft Esq 10 Downing Street DECLASSIFIED Recvaled Par
Given the Parliamentary recess, Mr Ingram will be writing to Bruce George, Bernard Jenkin and Paul Keetch to explain the adjustment in force levels.
am copying this letter to Simon McDonald (FCO), Anna Bewes (DFID) and Desmond Bowen (Cabinet Office).
Yaus,
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DANIELLE LATHAM
Private Secretary
DECLASSIFIED