The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1991Prime Minister (1990-1997)

Mr Major’s Statement made on the VC10 from Cairo to London – 9 January 1991

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Below is the text of Mr Major’s statement made on the VC10 from Cairo to London on Wednesday 9th January 1991.

PRIME MINISTER:

I am very disappointed that no progress has been made. Saddam Hussein has had months to reverse his aggression. I am extremely sad that he has not done so.

The position, therefore, is that the Security Council Resolutions remain to be met. The Iraqis can be in no doubt that after 15 January the military option exists. It is clear from my discussions in the Gulf that those Arab Allies I met are firmly behind that option if it is necessary.

There is still time for Saddam Hussein to rethink – I hope that he will.