https://declassified.library.utoronto.ca/files/original/5e6f77dcb7eb1b4e2225ea654cb17fb7.pdf 99e803ba1230d70da91ddf6b75f8d749 PDF Text Text Document disclosed under the Access to Information Act Document divulgue en vertu de la Loi sur I'accis a /'information SECRET VISIT OF MINISTER MCCALLUM TO WASHINGTON, DC 8-10 JANUARY 2003 UPDATE ON POSSIBLE ACTION AGAINST IRAQ BRIEFING NOTE ISSUE • To provide an update on the potential for unilateral or multilateral action against Iraq and the developing Canadian policy position. This remains a dynamic issue and events will continue to unfold rapidly. BACKGROUND • Iraq has thus far met the deadlines imposed by Security Council Resolution 1441: it has accepted the terms of the resolution and produced a 12,000 page declaration of its nuclear, chemical, biological and missile programs. In discussions between the Canadian and Iraqi Permanent Representatives in New York, Iraq indicated that although it disagrees with many of the premises of Resolution 1441, it will cooperate with United Nations weapons inspectors. • Both the US and the UK have categorically emphasized that the resolution provides for “serious consequences” if Iraq is found in violation of its obligations. President Bush has said Resolution 1441 “presents the Iraqi regime with a final test”, and Prime Minister Blair indicated that the “consequences are clear”. The US has stated that while it will consult the Security Council before engaging in any action against Iraq, its position is that the US does not require UN approval for US-led military action if Iraq fails to disarm. Most allies will likely accept efforts to disarm Iraq of proven weapons of mass destruction capabilities as a basis for US-led military action. DISCUSSION • On 19 December, in their first formal briefing to the Security Council following Iraq’s declaration regarding its weapons programs, UN inspectors indicated that they still require “much more cooperation” from Iraq. The inspectors also said that the declaration leaves many unanswered questions and contains very little by way of evidence concerning weapons of mass destruction programs. This briefing was merely a preliminary assessment of the content of the declaration; a full UN assessment of all data provided by Iraq will likely be completed by mid- to lateJanuary. Following the briefing, the US administration reiterated its view that Iraq remains in “material breach of Resolution 1441”, but that this failure to comply does not yet constitute a trigger for the use of force. 1/3 SECRET 000015 �Document disclosed under the Access to Information Act Document divulgue en vertu de la Loi sur I'accis a /'information SECRET • Open sources confirm that the US is proceeding with a build-up of forces and logistics in the Persian Gulf area. It is estimated that the US already have 50,000 land-based personnel in the region and all of the key elements necessary to begin an air campaign and light ground force operations will be in place by the beginning of January. If the ground forces build-up continues at the current rate, armored forces could be ready for action by mid- to late-January during what is known as the best “campaign season”. While the first official UN inspection report is not expected until mid-May, inspectors are scheduled to provide an interim report to the Security Council on 27 January (in accordance with Resolution 1441). • On 5 December, Canada provided a preliminary response to the US request for a contribution of military assets to any possible action against Iraq. As a first step, the Canadian Forces will seek information for use in developing options for the Government while at the same time discussing possible Canadian contributions in detail. A command and control exercise, INTERNAL LOOK, occurred from 9 to 16 December, but Canada’s decision to engage in military-to-military discussions occurred too late for a Canadian officer to observe the exercise. The Chief of the Defence Staff has since spoken with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; subsequently three Canadian Forces officers have deployed to Tampa to begin initial discussions with US planners. Any decision to commit Canadian Forces assets would be predicated on a Security Council authorization of the use of force or, absent such explicit authorization, would be decided according to the circumstances at the time. The US has indicated that other allies, including Spain and Italy, have placed similar caveats on their participation in a campaign against Iraq. • US officials have said that while they would prefer unconditional military commitments from allies at this stage, Canada’s position is “understandable” in light of the evolving international situation. The US is looking forward to moving ahead with military consultations and, as such, welcomed Canada’s decision to engage in discussions regarding possible military contributions in the event that use of force becomes necessary. In discussions with senior officials from National Defence and Foreign Affairs, the US political director indicated that the US is not committed to military action at this stage; the President has yet to take a decision. CANADIAN POSITION • The Canadian position on the Iraq situation has not changed. The Government has been very much in favor of a strong resolution that addresses the need for Iraq to comply with all of its obligations to UN resolutions and that indicates that there will be serious consequences for non-compliance. Resolution 1441 provides inspectors with the full backing of the international community to perform their duty without interference. It is now up to Iraq to fulfill its responsibilities without condition or delay. • The Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs have noted Canada’s concern about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction programs, but have indicated our preference 2/3 SECRET 000016 �Document disclosed under the Access to Information Act Documen t divulgue en vertu de la Loi sur I'acces a I'information SECRET that the issue be dealt with through the UN (i.e., through the re-establishment of the present UN inspection mechanism). On 10 October, the Prime Minister indicated that if UN inspections determined that Iraq continues to develop weapons of mass destruction, Canada would support military action. • Canada is not privy to Iraq’s declaration of its weapons programs, which was submitted to the inspectors and the Security Council. As such, Canada looks forward to the Security Council’s full assessment of the documents. • Should Canada decide to participate in a military coalition against Iraq, Canada may contribute assets from among a range of sea, land and air capabilities, including, but not necessarily restricted to those currently dedicated to the coalition campaign against terrorism (2 ships, 2 maritime patrol aircraft and 2 to 3 transport aircraft). Prepared By: Responsible Director: Responsible Director-General Responsible Group Principal: Date Prepared: Updated: 3/3 SECRET Corri Barr, D PK Pol 6. 996-1741 Col G. C6t6, DPK Pol, 992-1872 MGen H.C. Ross. DGIS Pol, 992-2769 Dr. Kenneth J. Calder, ADM (Pol), 992-3458 9 December 2002 2 January 2003 000017 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CDIQ00004 Title A name given to the resource Update on Possible Action Against Iraq (Briefing Note) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 8-10, 2003 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived BAN 2014-01289-X, Box 12, File no. MCU2003-00765 – Ministers Visit Washington DC 8-10 January 2003, Library and Archives Canada Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource A-2022-10029 LAC Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Canadian Crown Subject The topic of the resource Iraq Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Canada Declassified Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource en