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IRAQ - STEPHEN WHITE
1.
As agreed with your office I met Stephen White, our senior police officer in Basra, yesterday. This was at the invitation of Jane Kennedy who knows Stephen from his role as Deputy Chief Constable in Northern Ireland. Adam Ingram was also present.
2.
White was at pains to stress that his alleged criticisms of Government strategy were wholly taken out of context. I think I believe him, he seems a straight guy - that is certainly Jane's view.
3. He is, however, extremely concerned at lack of progress in delivering a UK police presence on the ground.
Despite being appointed by the FCO as an operational commando in June and promised 200 police officers, White is very concerned that as of today he has not one UK police officer on the ground. Similarly, he is concerned that he has no delegated budget.
5.
White is concerned that lack of progress is due to a different, developing view on the part of the US as to how policing should be handled. Also that UK Chief Constables are blocking recruitment of UK police because of their concerns for UK officers given the security situation in Iraq.
6.
His line manager is Hilary Synott, who he says is extremely supportive. But he is concerned there is still no progress.
7. My view, having listened to him, is that he raises serious concerns which are at odds with our statements as to how he situation is improving.
DECLASSIFIED
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Bill Rammell
DECLASSIFIED