[IRQ]: Message to the UK

[Nathan]

Jamie
Encrypted/Secure​

Ministry of Defence
Baghdad Iraq​

Minister of Defence,
Ministry of Defence
Government of the United Kingdom

---

"Dear Sir/Madam,

The government of Iraq seeks to develop a strong and independent naval force. We aim to be able to maintain the security of the Persian Gulf and the Iraqi oil fields within the region. Unfortunately, due to the need to combat a ever growing threat from Saddam Hussein, our finances are limited. As part of this, we would like to request the UK's support in developing this naval force. I would like to invite a government representative to Iraq to discuss the purchase of the following assets;

• 4 Type 42 Destroyers
• 8 Type 23 frigate
• 2 Albion Class Landing Ships
• 1 Illustrious Class
• 1 RFA Argus Class
• 4 Scimitar Class Patrol Vessels (For base security)
• 4 Sandown-class minehunters (For base security)
• 8 × LCU MK10
• 8 × LCVP MK5
• 50 x Offshore Raiding Craft
• 500 x Land Rover WMIKS (For Marines)
• 36 Harriers
• 12 Westland Lynx
• 12 Sea King Asacs

These numbers will vary dependent on the overall cost of the acquisition. We understand these vessels are currently within active service within your own navy which is why we wish to add an optional extra to our offer, if we can be allowed to purchase all vessels on this list, ideally at a price our navy can achieve, we will give you a 20 year lease to use our naval base at Umm Qasr and to permanently have a royal navy base in the Persian Gulf east of Suez. This would give you access to the Persian Gulf and a permanent port for your ships to refuel and rearm.

Our base will be going through an $2 Billion upgrade period allowing you to retain a sizeable force forward deployed. The redevelopment will section off a portion of this base to purely the hands of the UK to maintain it's own security and be off limit to our forces.

We would also like to discuss a alternative payment option. As part of this deal, we would like to negotiate the provision of the listed ships, instead of paying a rent or service fee. Meaning that, your lease will be paid off by providing up naval ships. We would normally consider a rent to be $1 Billion dollars per year, meaning we expect that the Royal Navy will make a considerable profit from this deal

We would further like to add, we would be willing to agree to a further 10 years after the end of the initial contract period, but we would then ask that a rent fee is paid.

With this option, you will provide the ships to us in return we will give you a 20 year lease of a section of our naval base, we will pay for the necessary upgrade of the base and we will allow a further 10 year lease of the base. We firmly believe this will give the UK a good deal, a forward naval base in a key region and a $20 Billion saving on our normal lease costs.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Abbas Rekani​

Minister of Defence ​

 

[Jamie]

There was a significant and noticeable delay in a response to the Iraq Minister, Abbas Rekani, and it was with purpose. Since receiving the email, multiple meetings had taken place within government and with no public information about said meetings. Mostly consisting of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister - something was brewing. Rather than addressing any of the mentioned points, a memo was sent ahead to request an conference call between the Prime Ministers and Defence Ministers from both the UK and Iraq; highlighting the sensitive nature and suggesting that all lines be encrypted. Providing this was accepted, Prime Minister Adams and Defence Minister Jason Green were to join the call at the agreed time. They would ensure the conference itself was encrypted by the cyber teams within MI5 whilst also been confined to a private conference room. Nathan

 

[Nathan]

A secure line would be established. Sealing off any unauthorised connections to the call. Minister Rekani would quickly adjust his suit and tie before accepting the call. A last minute use of a lint roller before switching on the video and audio devices. A government civil servant would be sat to his right hand side, with the highest classiifcation clearance, to document the decisions made.

Minister Rekani knew the importance of this deal in establishing Iraq as a regional player in the Arabian Sea, but also the long term diplomatic impact this deal could make. With a smile he would greet the Prime Minister and Defence minister;

"Good day Prime Minister and Minister, thank you for agreeing to our call"

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"Pleasure to speak to you" responded Prime Minister Adams,"Thank you for joining on such short notice. I don't want to waste any of your time so I'll like to be straight down to why I wanted to join in the call. I was informed of your initial email and it raised the interest in purchasing equipment and the more concerning ... Saddam Hussein." Lawrence paused, plenty of thoughts working through his head to determine how to approach the subject "You said it yourself, Saddam is a threat. It was only seven years ago when Iraq, under his leadership, carried out barbaric attacks across the world including a chemical attack in London. The western coalition missed him.

I can't authorize the sale of any of the listed items... until we have Saddam." the Prime Minister stopped talking. At the time, Lawrence was the foreign minister and the attacks in London was close to home. Something he'd never forget. A few moments later, he continued "That comes down to the sole reason is that he is still a political candidate. For me to allow the export of such arms is dangerous if he was to enter power again. Therefore.. I'd like to propose we cooperate further.

Grant us access to create a task force with one mission. To find and arrest Saddam Hussein. This would be done via special operations, thus discretely. We will be able to commit intelligence services to locate him and employ operators into the country to execute the mission. All we would need from you is unrestricted access into Iraq, and it stays between us. When we have Saddam, I will authorize the sale of the requested products."

Lawrence stopped, perhaps he'd given too much away but he can't risk missing the chance to take Saddam. Having Iraqi support would be the best chance for capturing him. Nathan

 

[Nathan]

The Minister of Defence would be slightly taken a back by the proposal, one that was not expected.

"Prime Minister, the last intel we had on Hussein was that he was in Tikrit. The entire town is currently in a state of open rebellion against our forces. Whilst we would welcome your support in capturing Hussein, you must understand your forces will be deploying into an active civil war. Hussein has amassed sunni support in the region, we estimate he has at least 5,000 men fighting for him. It is without doubt that may of his previous republican guard forces are protecting him as close body guards.

Our condition to allowing this operation is simple, you must hand over Hussein to face justice in Iraqi courts. We will be seeking the death penalty"

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

A short silenced followed, Jason taking note of the last known position been in Tikrit. Given the size of the city, it doesn't help in terms of accuracy but certainly gives a solid foundation. It also gives an ideas of numbers they'd be against. The Prime Minister continued talking; "I understand. Our intention is to keep this off the books, we're not looking to deploy a huge amount of assets, it would be limited air support, intelligence assets to help locate him and then special forces to carry out the objective which, as requested, would be to arrest Saddam and hand him over to the Iraqi authorities. It must be noted that it would be categorized as a kill or capture... given what you'd be seeking in the courts, I judge this wouldn't be much of an issue? Of course, capture first but if it came to it... you get the point.

I trust you are happy with the discrete approach we'd prefer to take? I don't think it would benefit the rebellion against your government if they knew of foreign forces operating to capture their leader. Ideally I'd like to weigh in the United States too due to their resources but the key point would be a convert operation. If possible, we would benefit from been able to utilize an Iraqi airbase for the duration but if this may be too public, then I'd be keen to hear on whether you'd support us building a temporary one in the middle of nowhere. If you'd also prefer, we can include Iraqi Intelligence and Special Forces into the task force providing you're confident in their loyalty."

Lawrence paused, allowing Jason to take over. "In terms of deployable assets, we'll have a support group either at this designated base or if you'd prefer us to operate from outside of Iraq, then Cyprus and Diego Garcia would be our focal points. We'd be looking to carry out intel flights to try to locate his exact location and ideally have intelligence officers on the ground. We're not here to cause collateral damage or to be wreckless, but to carry out a coordinated strike on Saddams location. We'd be able to supply helicopters and ground vehicles for transport. Any movements of those would be at night to minimize risk.

It works in your favor too as I suspect your armed forces are already working to crush the rebellion. If we take Saddam out, it guarantees your place in office. I'm sure those in support of your government would be grateful when they find out the Iraqi security forces took Saddam out." Nathan

 

[Nathan]

The Minister of Defence would be intrigued by the proposal.

"We would permit the operation. We would be willing to permit your forces at one of our bases if so required. We would need to coordinate any possible movements of your forces to limit friendly fire, our forces are engaged in fierce fighting in the area

Our only concern is civilian casualties, you're government must do all it can to limit the risk of these occurring. If numbers grow too large, we will be forced to deny authorising the assault."

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"Your support is invaluable" responded Lawrence "Unfortunately I do need to go for my next appointment, but I will leave you in the hands of Defence Secretary Green" he concluded, offering his farewell before departing. Jason continued to speak: "Your concern for civilian casualties is understood and that's the main reason for special forces as opposed to supporting an airstrike. I'll be speaking to my American counterparts to discuss an action plan. After some thought, however, I'm wondering if stationing in an Iraqi air base may be too high profile so providing you're still OK with our operation, we'll aim to set up a temporary air strip to operate from and will feed this information to you. The less people that know of our presence, the better, for both the operation and your own governments stance. We already know Saddam is naturally opposing the west.

Once we've confirmed the full plan including numbers and equipment, I'll get the details sent across. Would Iraqi Intelligence services be open to cooperating? Specifically around trying to locate Saddam's position? We'll look to deploy MI6 in support of that but we need the exact location Saddam will be." Nathan