British army reservists to be called upon within days: report

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Sunday October 20, 6:17 PM

Britain will begin calling upon reservists for possible military action against Iraq within ten days, according to a report.

Around 1,000 reserve troops will receive their call-up papers by the end of the month, The Sunday Telegraph said.

"We've got to move on this by the end of the month to keep to the timetable," the weekly broadsheet quoted a senior defence ministry official as saying.

Civilian employers of reservists' need some two months notice to arrange cover, the paper said, adding that most of the part-time soldiers were likely to be specialist staff needed to supplement the army's under-strength medical service. The army is said to be particularly short of surgeons and anaesthetists.

Responding to the report, a defence ministry spokeswoman said "no decisions" had been taken to mobilise reservists.

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw made it clear Friday that Britain and the United States were prepared to take military action against Iraq, even without a new UN resolution, if Baghdad refuses to allow arms inspections.

"We reserve the right to act within international law in respect of the use of force, which may or may not be covered by a new resolution," Straw told the BBC.

He added: "It is entirely appropriate for America, as for us, to reserve their position if the UN does not meet its responsibilities."

Straw stressed that Britain was "completely committed to a United Nations route -- if that is successful."

-- Anonymous, October 20, 2002

Answers

I guess this isn't exactly secret info, then?

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2002

Deliberate leak to see if Saddam will play nicely or to provoke him into playing even less nicely?

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2002

Saddam already knew that the US had Britian with them, so it isn't news to him that they are getting ready.

Perhaps to the rest of the world's terrorists? And I suspect that Australia is going to come along to play in a big way.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2002


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