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DFID'S PERFORMANCE ON IRAQ: LETTER FROM SALLY KEEBLE
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You should see the attached letter from Sally Keeble. In it she makes some serious allegation's about DfID's under-performance on Iraq under Clare Short.
She says in particular that:
- There were disastrous consequences of Clare's political position, including the lack of pre-planning, difficulties in providing humanitarian supplies to troops, and refusal to engage fully with ORHA/CPA.
- DfID's internal organisation was weak and staff dealing with Iraq were ) inexperienced.
- Financial aid was mismanaged, with a large part of DfID's £210 million going unallocated.
She also says that even after Clare's departure DfID have been slow to reengage with the CPA.
From what DM and I have seen from here, Sally's letter is accurate in highlighting DfID's failure to pre-plan and to engage with CPA. But we cannot comment on the detail of her points on financial management.
DECLASSIFIED
The question is whether the allegations - particularly those on financial management - should be looked into more formally.
Do you want us to copy the letter to others, including the Cabinet Secretary, for them to pursue?
I think you should write Sally a short reply thanking her for her work in DfID and for her letter, and say that you are looking into the important points that she has made.
MATTHEW RYCROFT
DECLASSIFIED