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D/Sec(HSF)/7/2
Carolyn Miller
Director Europe, Middle East and Americas Department for International Development 1 Palace Street London SW1E 5HE 17 July 2003 Dear the Miller, CLOSE PROTECTION FOR DFID STAFF IN BAGHDAD I am sorry it has taken some time to respond to your letter of 25 June, in which you asked that we provide a military close protection team for DID staff in Baghdad.
As you may be aware, Royal Military Police close protection resources are very heavily committed at the moment, both in support of the FCO presence in Baghdad and on other tasks elsewhere.
The pressure on the RMP has forced us to take some severe action to drive the current level of commitments down to sustainable levels, including a reduction in the level of support to the FCO in Baghdad, which will limit their freedom of movement in the city.
Our Ministers have agreed that the only way that the RMP would be able to provide a degree of close protection to DID staff would be if you and the FCO were able to share the resources available to them there. I suggest that you approach the Head of the FCO's Security Strategy Unit, Peter Millett, to establish whether they would be prepared to share the CP resources available to them.
I am sorry to send what I appreciate will be a disappointing reply. We recognise that this is far from ideal for you and is likely to further constrain HMG's diplomatic activity in Baghdad, but it may be an improvement on your current arrangements.
I am copying this letter to Peter Millett.
your sincere
DECLASSIFIED