date: Fri Mar 21 09:10:13 2003
from: Mike Hulme <m.hulme@uea.ac.uk>
subject: Re: The disarmament of Iraq
to: Tony Blair <response@new.labour.org.uk>

   Dear Mr Blair,
   Although no admirer of George Bush or American policy, nor as someone who believes war is
   the answer to most problems in the world, I have fully supported the line you have taken
   over the last 6 months and have admired the way you have stuck to it.  As a serious student
   of modern 20th century history, I think you have understood the lessons of that century
   well - it is regrettable that the French have not.
   I for one will not be turning my back on the Labour Party.
   Yours sincerely,
   Professor Mike Hulme
   At 18:20 20/03/2003 +0000, you wrote:

     20 March 2003
     Dear Colleague
     I am writing to you following the House of Commons vote earlier this week
     and the beginning of military action in Iraq.
     Our party has held its discussions on this issue without rancour and with
     respect for each others' views. There are deeply held views and that is
     natural, for there are few more serious choices a country can face than
     whether or not to take part in military action.
     The Government has taken the decision to use military action to ensure the
     disarmament of Iraq, not because we have any quarrel with the people of Iraq
     - in fact they have suffered more than anyone under the tyrannical Iraqi
     regime. We have done so to enforce the many UN resolutions on Iraq and its
     weapons of mass destruction which have been passed over the years.
     For many years the Labour Party has firmly supported attempts to stop the
     proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, but I can assure you that
     there was no inevitability about military action in Iraq. Saddam Hussein
     could have chosen to comply with the UN and disarm peacefully. Instead, for
     twelve years he defied its decisions, misled its inspectors and used every
     means possible to hold on to and develop his chemical and biological
     weapons.
     In addition his brutal dictatorship has engaged in a sustained campaign of
     repression against his own people. The death and torture camps, barbaric
     prisons for political opponents and routine beatings for anyone suspected of
     disloyalty are well documented. If Saddam Hussein's regime continues in this
     way, many more Iraqi people will be killed and tortured in the future.
     All the while he has hoped that division between countries and uncertain
     public opinion in the democracies would weaken our resolve and allow him to
     carry on in power unchecked.
     What he has failed to understand is that democracy and open debate are
     strengths not weaknesses. In all matters, however, there comes a point when
     a judgement has to be made. Having taken our decision, this country will now
     pursue our aims with firm resolve and with determination.
     Yet if we only disarm Saddam, we will not have completed our task.  It is
     also vital that the world engages in a sustained humanitarian effort to help
     the people of Iraq after their years of living under such a repressive
     regime. Sixty per cent of the Iraqi population is today dependent on food
     aid, despite the fact that the Oil for Food Programme allows Saddam to sell
     as much oil as he wants in order to provide food for his people.
     That situation cannot continue. As I said in the debate in the House of
     Commons this week, the United Nations should be authorised to meet the
     humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people. Iraq's territorial integrity should
     be protected and Iraq's oil revenues, which some people falsely claim are a
     reason for military action, should be put in a trust fund for the Iraqi
     people administered through the UN.
     I also know that many in the Labour Party care deeply about the plight of
     people whose lives are being devastated by lack of progress in the Middle
     East peace process.
     That's why last Friday's announcement by President Bush agreeing to publish
     the Middle East Roadmap is such a significant step. It provides the route to
     a permanent, two state solution with clear phases and target dates aimed at
     progress through steps by both sides in all the relevant areas. And the
     destination is a final and comprehensive settlement of the Israel -
     Palestinian conflict by 2005. I am determined that we should use all our
     influence to secure the implementation of this vision for the future of the
     Middle East.
     Our vision for the future of Iraq is of a country free of repression able to
     live peacefully alongside its neighbours and develop in a way its own people
     choose. It is I believe a progressive vision.
     We may face difficult times ahead but the decision we have taken is right.
     It is important now that our party and our country come together and support
     our armed forces in the task they face.
     Yours sincerely,
     Rt Hon Tony Blair MP
     Leader of the Labour Party
     m.hulme@uea.ac.uk
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