Straw to Blair ORHA

rag: ORHA 4 The Attorney's initial reaction is that if we make formal appointments, then the risk of the United Kingdom being jointly responsible for all ORHA's actions increases (including in the 75%-80% of Irag which will be under US and not UK de facto control). DECLASSIFIED 15) anxieties about ORHA could fall away). I attach a draft MOU. 6. 1 should emphasise that the Attomey said that he could not advise 7. definitively on this issue without a little more time and being able to see some paperwork. A copy of this minute goes to him. Jhe has JACK STRAW Foreign and Commonwealth Office 7. April 2003 DECLASSIFIED The US and British Governments reaffirm their commitment at all time to act fully within international law. To that end, they have agreed that there should be full consultation (and joint decision-making) in advance of policy decisions about ORHA's activities. The British Government has confirmed its readiness to appoint Major General Tim Cross as one of Mr Jay Garner's deputies within ORHA. DECLASSIFIED