Letter mcdonald to ps c iraqi wmd

Iragi WMD Thank you for your letter of 16 May, outlining progress in uncovering hard evidence of Iragi prohibited handling. weapons programmes. You asked for our views on media I agree that we have pro-actively to confront some of the negative media about the lack of Iragi WMD, and work to finds ensure that some of the evidence that is coming to light its way into the public domain. Or, as you say, the justification. media will remain camped on the position of No evidence, No In the absence of independent validation of Coalition WMD finds, the media are playing a crucial role in setting public opinion. Having an effective media this. strategy, agreed inter-departmently, will help address I understand that this wider issue is being addressed under MoD leadership. The idea of working with the BBC Panorama programme on Iragi WMD, seems an excellent way to take the strategy forward in the short term. Providing background briefing, right direction and unobtrusively helping point the programme makers in the should uncovered. help bring to light some of the hard evidence that is being It will be important to ensure that Panorama maintains its overall independence, and that we play a supporting, not a leading, role in directing the programme. However, we should not regard this as an exclusive for Panorama. One programme, by itself, will not persuade a sceptical audience. Rather, we should work with a range of journalists to ensure that the message comes across clearly and coherently. DEGLAScinED (Simon McDonald) Principal Private Secretary Vauxhall Cross DECLASSIFIED