Reply #8: Link to document in pdf format [View All]

[paineinthearse]

DOCUMENT - http://www.pm.gov.uk/files/pdf/Iraq%20Resolution%201441.pdf (can anyone convert to an image?)

http://community.centurytel.net/index.cfm?action=news.article&id=wed/ch/Ayb70034794.RgqT_FMS.html

Blair Releases Legal Advice on Iraq War
04/28/2005

Associated Press/AP Online
LONDON - Prime Minister Tony Blair released the attorney general's confidential advice on the legality of the Iraq war on Thursday, an embarrassing reversal forced by a leak and relentless pressure from political rivals only days before a national election. Blair had hoped to focus on the economy, health care and education before the May 5 vote. But the document thrust the ferocious debate about Britain's support of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and Blair's integrity to the forefront of the campaign. "Whatever I say, I will never, ever convince some people who have been opposed to this war," said Blair. "I cannot apologize for that decision because I still think the world is a better place with Saddam in prison rather than in power."

The dispute hinged on the advice given to Blair by his top legal adviser Lord Goldsmith on March 7, 2003. The confidential note has been the subject of intense press speculation in recent months and, finally, a detailed leak to Channel 4 News on Wednesday night. The memo, released in full Thursday by Blair's office, confirmed reports that Goldsmith had warned it would be safer to go to war with a second U.N. Security Council resolution specifically authorizing military action. It also warned that British troops taking part in the conflict could be open to legal action.

Ten days later, in a written statement to Parliament on March 17, Goldsmith's reservations had disappeared and he said the war would be legal without a further resolution. The Bush administration was forced to withdraw a Security Council resolution seeking U.N. authorization for the military action in Iraq because of deep opposition from many council members. Political opponents have questioned whether Goldsmith was pressured by Blair's office to change his mind in the final tense days leading up to the March 20, 2003, invasion.

"Mr. Blair has said that the attorney general's advice to the Cabinet on the 17th March was 'very clear' that the war was legal, and that the attorney general had not changed his mind," Conservative leader Michael Howard told a news conference in London. "It is obvious that he did. So what the public must now have an answer to is this: what, or who, changed the attorney general's mind?" Howard, who has branded Blair a liar, said the document reinforced doubts about the prime minister's integrity. "If you can't trust Mr. Blair on the decision to take the country to war, the most important decision a prime minister can take, how can you trust Mr. Blair on anything else ever again?" he told journalists.

more........