The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Tag: Gulf War

  • Mr Major’s Press Conference in Cairo – 9 January 1991

    The text of Mr Major’s press conference in Cairo, made on Wednesday 9th January 1991.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    May I just say firstly how pleased I am to be able to be here today and how worthwhile and enjoyable I have found the discussion with President Mubarak, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister.

    We have had the opportunity today, at a particularly important time, to review a range of matters but of course most noticeably the present crisis that exists as a result of Iraq’s invasion and occupation of Kuwait.

    I am delighted to say in our discussions that it is perfectly clear that the position of the British government and that of the Egyptian government is precisely and absolutely the same. I found an absolute determination amongst my Egyptian colleagues here that Saddam Hussein would have to withdraw from Kuwait and that the Security Council Resolutions would need to be implemented in full and speedily and there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that that is the very firm and resolute position of the Egyptian government.

    I would like to add. if I may, having spent in the last few days some time with the troops that are gathering together in Saudi Arabia at the moment, I would like to say how much the international community appreciates the very remarkable contribution that Egypt has made towards that international force, it was speedily delivered, was resolutely delivered, it is a very substantial contribution and I know on behalf of all the partners in these allied forces I would like to express my gratitude to the Egyptian government for the way and the speed in which they responded to the crisis that has arisen.

    I hope that these discussions we have had today will be a further indication on a very important day whilst discussions continue, as I understand they still are continuing, in Geneva, a further indication on a very important day that Saddam Hussein is entirely on his own in his defiance of world opinion and his continued occupation of Kuwait. I think the discussions we have today have reinforced that particular view and I am delighted that I had the opportunity of coming here to have them.

    We were also able to look at a number of bilateral matters in general terms and President Mubarak was kind and generous enough to suggest that at an appropriate time I might care again to make a further and longer visit. And the bilateral relations at the moment between Britain and Egypt are excellent, I am very keen for us to build upon those and I hope at a suitable time I will be able to take up that most generous offer.

    QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

    QUESTION (Barney Mason – BBC):

    Prime Minister, you have been quoted as saying in Saudi Arabia that it would be better to deal with Saddam Hussein now rather than further down the road when he has got nuclear weapons. In view of that and in view of the dangers that have been stressed by and taken seriously by some experts recently about an ecological disaster if there is a war, I am talking about the reports of deep mining and oil wells and the consequences of that, do you think that that makes it much more difficult to go to war now, is that a constraint?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I think the first thing is that I should make it absolutely clear that nobody wants to go to war now, we want the matter settled by Saddam Hussein withdrawing out of Kuwait and going back to Iraq, that is the way ideally we would have it settled and it can be settled that way providing he is prepared to do it. The impediment to peace is Saddam Hussein and not the allies who are there. Clearly if it came to a conflict there would be ecological difficulties, it is undeniable that there would be some difficulties. But I think that those assessments of them that I have thus far seen have been very dramatically over-stated indeed. I think that is undoubtedly the case.

    But nonetheless there is a difficulty, as a result of what has happened in Kuwait, that needs to be dealt with and I think that is generally understood. So although one is concerned about the environmental impact of any conflict anywhere, not just here, any conflict anywhere, it is necessary to deal with this problem and the sooner it is done the better. I hope very much that it can be done peaceably, but that alas is not in our hands.

    QUESTION (ABC News):

    Do you think a change of alliances would happen in the Middle East if Israel was involved in the Gulf crisis or any military confrontation?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I do not believe Israel is going to be involved in it, Israel have kept well clear of it, I think that is right, the matter is going to be dealt with by the allied forces who are here if it is not dealt with by Saddam Hussein voluntarily withdrawing. So I hope and believe the situation that you envisage will not arise.

    QUESTION (Pat Neil, CNN):

    What have you and Mr Mubarak worked out or discussed about Post-Gulf crisis arrangements for security in the Arab region?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We have not worked anything out because that is a matter for discussion with a large number of Gulf rulers as well. I have had the opportunity in the last few days of discussing with a number of Gulf rulers the position that will apply at the end of this crisis, for clearly there will be difficulties however it ends, and I think there is a general understanding that the Gulf Cooperation Council will need to examine what the security needs of the area are and they will then wish to examine no doubt with other powers as well the way in which the security of the area can be guaranteed.

    But there is a great deal of discussion and consideration to be developed before we can make any positive judgment as to how the matter might be dealt with. And of course the lead in that must necessarily come from the Arab nations themselves and that is a matter I discussed this morning with President Mubarak but because of the fact that this is only very much in its preliminary stages we did not reach firm conclusions as to what the outcome will be.

    That there is a matter to be discussed we are agreed upon and think that is the view of the other Arab leaders as well and it is something that will in my judgment become a matter of increasing importance and attention as the year progresses.

    QUESTION:

    As a follow-up, what role would the United States play in the broad area?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    That is a matter to be determined after the Gulf Cooperation Council and others have considered the matter, it is far too early to say what anyone’s role is, either the host Arab nations or the role of any other non-Arab nation at a later stage, it is far too early to contemplate that. What it is not too early to do is to identify the problem, identify the difficulty and make sure that the work is actually put in hand and the thinking that needs to be done is under way.

    QUESTION (Arab News):

    Dr Meguid [phon], I would like to ask you, in case of war has Egypt stated its position if Israel takes part in the war, will they withdraw their forces or will they actually fight alongside the Israeli soldiers?

    DR MEGUID:

    I am sorry but I think we have agreed that this press conference is the privilege of the Prime Minister so I will not answer questions.

    QUESTION:

    May I direct it to Mr Prime Minister, have you discussed this with President Mubarak?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I think as I said a few moments ago, that is not a circumstance that either we or anybody else envisage happening, I do not think the Israelis are going to become involved in this conflict, certainly not unilaterally, I hope they are not going to become involved in this conflict in any way. That has been the position thus far and we hope very much the matter is going to be settled either peaceably with Saddam Hussein withdrawing or by the allied forces.

    QUESTION:

    If I may press, Sir, have you discussed the possibility?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    You may press but I have nothing further to say.

    QUESTION:

    In view of the Labour Party’s increasing emphasis on the importance of not rushing into a war, do you think that British public opinion is behind military action soon after the 15th?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I think British public opinion has been very resolute so far and not only British public opinion, opinion in the House of Commons as well. It is after all only a few days ago that we had a debate in the House of Commons on the subject of the Gulf, after the Security Council Resolutions were passed, and the impact of the Security Council Resolutions were known and the majority in the House of Commons for the government’s posture was a majority of over 400, an almost unprecedented majority. So I think that not only is there a very secure majority for it in the House of Commons, I have no reason whatsoever to doubt that that very strong opinion is held in the country at large.

    QUESTION:

    For early military action?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    The Security Council Resolutions are quite clear, the Security Council Resolutions say there will be no action before the 15th, after that it is a matter to be considered and there is no doubt in anyone’s mind as to the resolution of the allied nations.

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

    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.

  • Mr Major’s Address to Sailors on HMS London – 8 January 1991

    The text of Mr Major’s address on HMS London, given on 8th January 1991 to troops in the Gulf.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    [Beginning of speech inaudible]

    …and how much I appreciate your hospitality while I have been here and how very impressive I found your demonstration over the last few moments. I only wish that those people who wish us ill at any time could have seen it, I am sure it would have scared the pants off them.

    I am sorry these remarks have to be brief but I need to leave for Muscat very speedily. I know over the last few weeks you have been at sea for some time and it is quite a while before you get back home again. I dare say it has been a frustrating period for you but I would like to express my thanks for all the splendid work that you have done here over recent weeks and that I know you will do over the weeks to come.

    One always gets a curious perception when you see people very briefly, but the perception that I have had this afternoon is not only that you are an extremely professional outfit but that you seem to be doing the job with a great will, a great vigour and seem in extremely good heart and I am very pleased indeed to hear that.

    I wish you the very best of luck in the next few weeks and I hope these uncertainties that we now face will soon clear away. Thank you very much for your hospitality this afternoon and the best of luck in the future.

  • Mr Major’s Press Conference in Eastern Saudi Arabia – 8 January 1991

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s press statement and questions and answers, held in the desert in Eastern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday 8th January 1991.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Let me just say, amongst the principal reasons I came here was to have a look for myself and to satisfy myself what the conditions were, what the equipment was like, and to actually see conditions on the ground and both talk to our Commanders and to as many of the men as possible who are actually out here at the present time. I have found it thus far an extremely useful and worthwhile exercise and I am extremely pleased I came.

    As you know, yesterday I had talks with the Emir of Kuwait, last evening I had a lengthy discussion with King Fahd of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and they were both extremely useful and worthwhile occasions.

    There seems to me to be no doubt in anyone’s mind amongst the allies precisely why we are here or what it may be necessary to do. We still hope very much indeed that there is the possibility of a peaceful conclusion to this matter, that is our preferred outcome, we hope that that may yet emerge from the discussions which Mr Baker will have with Tariq Aziz later this week.

    But what is entirely clear is that if a peaceful settlement is not possible that can only be because Saddam Hussein does not obey the Security Council Resolutions and if he does not those resolutions are quite clear and if he enters into a conflict that is a conflict of course that he cannot possibly win.

    In my discussions thus far I have concentrated not only on the immediate problems that we face in front of us in terms of the invasion and occupation of Kuwait, but also on the security matters that will need to be considered after this matter is over in whatever way it happens to be concluded. These are very much preliminary discussions in terms of future security arrangements, but it seemed to me it was important to consider those now and this has provided a very useful and worthwhile opportunity to do so.

    You will know that insofar as the troops are concerned we have now issued respirators, indeed I suspect all of you are carrying them as well, we have done that because of the nature of weapons that we know that Iraq have, and against the possibility that they would actually seek to use those weapons we will certainly seek to ensure that the troops have whatever equipment they may need to ensure their security and safety and to do the job that they have been sent here to do.

    So I think those are the general introductory remarks that I would wish to make to you and I will endeavour to answer any questions you may have.

    QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

    QUESTION (Alex Thompson, Channel 4 News):
    Many people perhaps are a little confused, they say that there have been many instances of countries being invaded by other aggressor nations and Britain has not sent troops to those situations. Can you explain to the British people what it is that makes the Kuwait situation different?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I think there are a variety of things that make the Kuwait situation particularly important and indeed I took the opportunity of saying that to those troops I had the opportunity of speaking to this morning. Firstly, the nature of the invasion of Kuwait, entirely unprovoked, by a large aggressor against a small defenceless country was in itself objectionable and unacceptable. Secondly, what has actually happened in Kuwait and continues to happen in Kuwait daily in terms of the treatment of the inhabitants of Kuwait has been very carefully documented not least by the Amnesty International Report, that is a chilling report and that too is entirely unacceptable and needs to be reversed.

    But beyond that I think there are some wider issues as well. If on this occasion, when the whole of the world is actually combined against Saddam Hussein as an aggressor, the aggressor were to get away with it, how many other small defenceless countries elsewhere around the world with an aggressive neighbour might face a similar problem in the future? I think the sheer force of world opinion requires that we do not let Saddam Hussein get away with it, not just to free Kuwait – important and vital though that is – but also to send a lesson to other people that this is not a way they can behave.

    The wider point of course if I can add it as well is the difficulties there may be if this matter were not to be resolved satisfactorily now, we may have a much bigger problem on our hands in two or three years time. So I think for those and other reasons that I could expand upon if you invited me to, there are a raft of good reasons why the international community has acted as it has done. And if I may add this final point, it has done so with a wholly remarkable consistency of purpose, as you have seen in the Security Council Resolutions.

    QUESTION (Peter Sale, Reuters):

    Could you describe to us your ideas for a regional security network or how you see a regional security network evolving after the current Gulf crisis, do you see a permanent Western presence in that and if so how will you deal with Iran’s current objections to that?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    No, I do not think that is by any means the only way in which the matter can be dealt with. But the purpose of raising it privately with the Arab leaders at the moment is to begin to appreciate the sensitivities that are involved as well as the logistical problems that are involved so that we may be better informed when these discussions begin in earnest at a later stage. I think there are a variety of options that one may consider when one looks at a security pattern for the region as a whole, but if you will forgive me, I will not speculate on those at the moment.

    QUESTION (Alistair Campbell, Daily Mirror):

    Have the military asked you for anything specifically, can you tell us what it is and are you likely to give it to them?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    No they have not asked me for anything specifically but I have found out a great deal that has been useful and interesting that I shall follow up back in London.

    QUESTION (Charles Richards, Independent):

    You said that the invasion of Kuwait was unforgivable, does that mean that even if Saddam Hussein does withdraw from Kuwait he will have to be punished in some way?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We have made it perfectly clear, and I am happy to reiterate it, that if he stays in Kuwait he will be expelled, but if he withdraws to Iraq he will not be attacked within Iraq. We have made that clear and so have the other members of the Allied Forces and I am happy to reiterate that.

    QUESTION (UPI):

    You told the troops that the purpose of the Baker meeting with Tang Aziz is not to negotiate and not to do any deals. You sound almost as warlike as Dan Quayle did last week, is there any room for him to get out?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We want him to get out, that is entirely right, that is exactly what we want him to do. But if Saddam Hussein is concerned about the deadline, as we now hear yesterday he may be, then he has it within his own hands, he can start moving out straight away, he should never have moved in and he should move out.

    But if you have in mind that a partial withdrawal or something of that sort would be acceptable, then I must say to you I do not believe it is acceptable. Firstly because if somebody ransacks and burgles your house I doubt that you would find it acceptable if he maintained control of half of it. But secondly because the wider principle is this; if he does gain anything from this aggression, despite the opposition, the universal opposition to him, then other people may feel they could act in the same way elsewhere and likewise gain something from it. And I think given the increased force of the United Nations and the unprecedented nature of world opinion, we cannot permit him to do that when we have an opportunity to make clear to everyone that this is unacceptable behaviour and the international community will not accept it.

    QUESTION:

    Just to follow up, you do not seem to leave any option except for war after 15 January if he does not go out?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    He knows very well what the Security Council Resolutions say and what I have been saying is a reaffirmation of the Security Council Resolutions that have such unprecedented force. Saddam Hussein should read those resolutions and he should understand that we are serious about enforcing them.

    BEN BROWN (BBC TV NEWS):

    Can you say something about the mood of the men you met today, the morale, and whether you heard any complaints or criticisms from them?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I had quite an opportunity both to talk to them but more importantly than that, to listen to them. You saw the mood of the men; you saw what good heart they were in; you saw what the morale was – I must say it is very remarkable indeed, both amongst those who have been here for some time and also those who have just arrived and I met a lot of young troops from Lancashire who have arrived here just in the last month or so and their morale was very high indeed. I asked them what conditions were like here; I must say, I did not pick up a lot of complaints; I picked up some suggestions and I will take those suggestions back and discuss them in London.

    BEN BROWN:

    Can you tell us what suggestions they were?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I will discuss those first in London and then discuss them with Tom King.

    QUESTION:

    Can you give a hint – food?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    No, no! The food was fine. Food, they said, is fine depending upon the cook! It seemed to me from all I heard that it was a good deal better than the House of Commons!

    TREVOR KAVANAGH (THE SUN):

    Was one of the complaints the lack of information, newspapers, access to radio? This was the complaint made to us.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    No, nobody has made that complaint at all. There was certainly some comment from the troops but this was a very favourable comment about the amount of equipment, newspapers and other matter that had been sent over the Christmas period not just by the Government but by lots of other people as well and there was a very considerable degree of pleasure at that, but I heard no complaints of the sort you envisage.

    ROBIN OAKLEY (THE TIMES):

    Can you confirm specifically that there will be no diminution in the degree of force to be used against Saddam Hussein if there is a partial withdrawal?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    A partial withdrawal is not acceptable and a partial withdrawal will have to be followed by expulsion until it becomes a full withdrawal. There is no compromise on that.

    QUESTION:

    Is it fair to say on that point that the partial withdrawal remains the one greatest problem you have as you have toured around this region – that is the one conundrum which you find it most difficult to solve?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I don’t know that it is a conundrum and it would be solved in the manner I have just described. We do not know whether that will occur or not. I hope that the message has finally got through to the Iraqis, the two messages, really, that are critical:

    Firstly, that the Allies are serious; and secondly, that the Iraqis cannot win. Providing those two messages have gone home, as I hope they have, then I think we must look to Saddam Hussein to withdraw wholly. In those circumstances, there is no point on his behalf in a partial withdrawal and I must absolutely reiterate there is no point in him trying for a partial withdrawal because we shall enforce it until it is a full withdrawal.

    QUESTION (ARAB DAILY NEWSPAPER):

    Saddam Hussein is asking for a solution to the Middle East problem if you are looking for a solution to the Gulf crisis. What are your comments on that?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We shall be looking at the wider Middle East thereafter, as indeed we were before and we have made that perfectly clear. A solution to the wider Middle East problem is being held up by this particular side event at the moment, by this particular invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein. The wider problems of the Middle East will continue to be addressed as soon as this is over – they are very important.

    SAME MAN:

    After the withdrawal?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    After the withdrawal.

    MALCOLM CARMICHAEL (AGENCE FRANCE PRESS):

    In describing the reasons why the British and other troops are here, you omitted to mention the strategic value of the region and I was wondering why?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I could have added another five or six reasons why they were here but I set out the reasons that actually brought people here after the invasion and I think they are very important reasons and they were the underlying reasons why the Security Council Resolutions got such support.

    RICHARD WILLING (DETROIT NEWS):

    Mr. Prime Minister, if Saddam Hussein does not withdraw his troops from Kuwait by 15 January, should the nation and people of Iraq consider themselves targets of the Allied Forces or will the force be restricted to the area that you identified today as wanting delivery, i.e. Kuwait?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I am not going to speculate on what may happen after the 15th if Saddam Hussein does not withdraw; I do not think that would be fair to our troops, I do not think it would be fair to anybody else and I do not propose to do it. I am not going to comment.

    RICK SALENGER (CNN LONDON BUREAU):

    Prime Minister, after talking to the troops today, have you come across with a feeling similar to what we have received from them that they want to get the job done now and go home, that that would be preferable than waiting perhaps even longer for some peace negotiations to succeed?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    No, I did not especially get that feeling but then I suppose everybody would pick up their own vibes from those they speak to. But certainly, that was not especially a feeling that I got.

    I did get a feeling of very considerable resolution amongst the troops I met; they know what they are here for; they know what they may have to do; they are extremely professional, extremely well-trained and they are prepared to do it if necessary

    MIGUEL MORENO (CATALAN TV, SPAIN):

    Prime Minister, I want to know if Saddam Hussein is going to use chemical weapons you are agreed to use nuclear weapons?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We have plenty of weapons short of that and we have no plans of the sort you envisage and we hope it is perfectly clear to Saddam Hussein firstly that our men will be well-protected against chemical weapons – he would be very unwise to do that. I hope he will not do that; I hope he will actually have the sense to make a peaceful withdrawal but we have plenty of weapons short of those you mention.

    MIGUEL MORENO:

    I know you enjoy your holidays in Spain. I want to know what you think about Spanish collaboration, bringing some aeroplanes to the British Air Force.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I certainly enjoy my holidays in Candeleda and I hope to continue to do so and I am pleased to see the Spanish cooperation.

    ADAM BOULTON (SKY NEWS):

    Prime Minister, are you effectively saying in so many words that unless a real withdrawal starts by this time next week, there will be war?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    The situation is perfectly clear, Adam. The situation is as set out in the Security Council Resolutions and I am underlining that precisely, absolutely and not going beyond that.

  • Mr Major’s Address to RAF troops at Dhahran – 8 January 1991

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s address to the RAF troops at Dhahran, given on 8th January 1991.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I am not quite sure what to make of all the signs up there but I daresay they will run very well at home.

    Can I just say to you all that I am very pleased to have the opportunity of coming to see you here today. I am here for a variety of reasons. I wanted in particular to see for myself what it was like out here, both in the desert and here at the sharp end of whatever may happen in due course, both to see for myself so I got a clearer perspective of what was actually happening, the scale of it, and what it actually means to the people who are here. It does not really matter how much briefing you get back in London, unless you actually come and see for yourself I do not think you get a proper idea of what is happening and I must say, what I have seen in the last couple of days has made the trip very worthwhile indeed and I am extremely glad that I came.

    The second reason for coming was to satisfy myself that the equipment that was needed was either here or on its way here and to see for myself how people felt about the job that they were being asked to do. And I must say one of the overwhelming impressions I have had both in Riyadh, at headquarters, out in the desert, out at sea, and now with the people I have met here, is that morale seems to me to be pretty high and I hope we are going to keep it that way.

    Let me just tell you something about some of the things that are happening and what lays a bit behind them. You will all know at the moment that Secretary of State Baker will be meeting Tariq Aziz later on this week. Let me tell you what that is about and what it is not about.

    It is not about negotiation, it is not about compromises and it is not about shifting away from the position that we have held. What it is to do, is to make it absolutely certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the Iraqis understand that the allied forces are serious, that if they do not withdraw from Kuwait and go back to Iraq that at some stage we will use the force that we have here to compel them to withdraw and go back into Iraq.

    We do not want the Iraqis to be in any doubt about the fact that we are serious and that is why the message that Mr Baker will deliver will be quite clear-cut they must get out of Kuwait and go home and that means get out of Kuwait fully and go home, not partially, and with no expectation of any gain whatsoever from what they have done. And that is the message that will be delivered later on this week in very clear and crisp terms so there is no misunderstanding.

    I guess you all know pretty well why you are here, not just to reverse what has happened in Kuwait, pretty horrible though that is, you may have seen the Amnesty Report and know exactly what is happening in Kuwait day by day. But there are other things on top of that that we regard as being very important and I might just illustrate one or two of them because you are here to do the difficult work and I think you have a right to know precisely why it is that we think it is necessary and desirable that we should ask you to do it.

    The first is what has been done in Kuwait and it is unacceptable and I need say no more about that. The second is, contemplate the proposition that the whole of the world could not have said more clearly, through the Security Council Resolutions, which side of this argument they were on. There is a dividing line between right and wrong, you are in the right and on this occasion Saddam Hussein is undoubtedly in the wrong.

    If that is the view of the whole of the world other than him – and it is – and he were to get away with it, what other small nations elsewhere, faced with large and potentially aggressive nations next door, may face the same sort of problem that Kuwait is facing at the present time? We want to make it clear to any of those potential aggressor nations that they too need not expect to get away with that sort of aggression.
    So we hope what is going to happen here and the defeat of Saddam Hussein, either with his withdrawal or ultimately by force, will send a very strong message to people who might be aggressive elsewhere.

    And perhaps the third reason that I would just set out for you, though there are far more and I could extend that list for a considerable period of time. You know what weapons Saddam Hussein has got, you have all been issued with respirators, you know about the chemical weapons he has got, the biological weapons, and the fact that at some stage in the future – not yet – but at some stage in the future that he will have nuclear weapons as well. It is better to deal with this problem now and make sure he does not get a taste for more trouble and more difficulty in the future, and that is why we are determined that one way or another he will have to come out of Kuwait and go back into Iraq.

    So it is not just the important principles of Kuwait, important though they are, there are wider principles as well which is why we have invited you and the Americans and the Saudis and the Egyptians and all our other allies in this venture to come here and deal with the problem that there is.

    Let me say categorically, our preferred outcome to this matter is for Saddam Hussein to withdraw peaceably, that is what we would like to see, we hope very much we will see that. But that is a matter for him, there is no point in him asking to extend the deadline. If he is worried about the deadline he can start withdrawing from Kuwait, he has had months to do it, he should never have been there and he now at last I think must understand the sheer weight of the forces that are ranged against him.

    One thing I am absolutely certain of in terms of what I have seen and what I have discussed and what I have been briefed with over a period: there is no conceivable way that Saddam Hussein can win this conflict, either easily or by force he is going to lose and I hope he understands that message very clearly indeed.

    The final two things I just want to say you, very briefly, is firstly, although you will see the British newspapers out here, I think you may not perhaps understand the full weight of concern and interest that people have back home in what you are doing. It is becoming a consuming and increasing interest day by day, not just amongst those who sit in the House of Commons but in each and every house up and down the land, people are very concerned about what you are doing here, the equipment you have got, what you may be called upon to do. And if I may add this point, they are immensely proud, too, of the way in which you are doing it.

    I simply therefore want to say in conclusion, thank you very much for what you have done and what you may yet have to do. From myself and I think also from all those other people back home who have wished me simply to say this, we wish you the very best of luck in the weeks ahead with whatever may come, we know whatever it is you will do it superbly well and I am most grateful to you all. Thank you very much for being so patient and listening, thank you very much indeed.

    And now we must invite the cameras to have a look over there because there are a large number of mothers who want to know what their sons are up to at this very moment – very good.

  • Mr Major’s Comments on the Gulf (III) – 7 January 1991

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s comments on the Gulf, made in an interview in Riyadh on Monday 7th January 1991.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked whether he would delay the deadline made to Iraq].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    There is no question of extending the deadline, the deadline has been known for a very considerable period of time and it is now five months since Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. At this very late stage, to come forward and suggest moving the deadline is clearly just a ploy. If he is concerned then the solution is in his own hands, he can do what he should have done some time ago and get out of Kuwait.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked if he thought Saddam Hussein would withdraw at the last moment].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I hope very much that he will withdraw, a peaceful solution to this unhappy affair would be by far the best although of course it will leave residual problems still to be solved. So I very much hope that proves to be the right judgement. But although we must hope for peace we are prepared for war and I must say the visits that I have had to the troops this afternoon have reinforced in my mind not only the state of their morale but the very substantial level of equipment that they have there.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked what had been said in his meeting with General de la Billiere].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    He briefed me very fully on the present state of readiness of the Armed Forces and on the plans at present as he saw them and the difficulties that he saw and we had a lengthy discussion about that and it was a very satisfactory and if I may say so a very impressive briefing indeed. He has a very high quality of staff around him and it was a very impressive occasion.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked what he would tell the troops when he saw them the following day].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I will tell them firstly how proud everybody at home is of their professionalism and the way in which they are conducting themselves here. I think that is undoubtedly the case and I will happily pass that message on to the troops. I will also take the opportunity of talking to them about the principles that are at stake in Kuwait, not of course just the liberal of Kuwait, important though that is, because it is being treated appallingly, but also the wider issues that are at stake, preventing an aggressor marching into a weaker country. It is very important that they do not get away with that for if they do who knows that other small countries may have aggressive neighbours who will take advantage of them. So I will discuss with the troops that and other matters.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked if war was inevitable].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    No, not inexorably at all. War can be stopped immediately, there is only one thing necessary to stop war and that is for Saddam Hussein to get out of Kuwait, it is in his hands, he can start moving this very evening. He has known what has been required of him for months, he knows what the deadline is, he knows the truly awesome level of power that he will have to face if he does not get out, he can get out, he should get out, and I hope he will do so.

  • Mr Major’s Statement in Riyadh – 7 January 1991

    Below is Mr Major’s statement made after meeting the Emir and Crown Prince of Kuwait. The statement was made in Riyadh on 7th January 1991.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Perhaps I might just say very briefly that I have just had a very worthwhile meeting both with the Emir and then separately with the Crown Prince. One of the things that strikes you very forcibly in those discussions is that you are actually talking to people whose country has been invaded and is effectively for the time being a massive prison camp and in which atrocities are being committed daily by the Iraqis. That was very evident and the depth of emotion and feeling that there is about this matter I think was equally evident.

    I was able to make absolutely clear to the Emir the full-hearted support that we have for the Security Council Resolutions and the determination that we and the Allies have that Saddam Hussein must leave Kuwait either voluntarily or be expelled forcibly.

    I made it equally clear in the discussions we had that a partial withdrawal would not be satisfactory and that it had to be a full withdrawal and that there would be no negotiations and nothing to be gained by Saddam Hussein if he attempted to negotiate for there was nothing to be had. We had a lengthy discussion about these matters and I think a very worthwhile one.

    I was also able to express to the Emir my admiration for the way in which the people of Kuwait have acted during the period of this occupation and my hope and belief that they would be free again as soon as possible.

    We also spent some time talking about the problems that will occur both in the region and in Kuwait at the conclusion of this matter – whether it is concluded peaceably or not – and we spent some time talking about the necessary reconstruction that there will then have to be in Kuwait and the way in which the United Kingdom would be happy to assist in that.

    It was, I think, therefore an extremely worthwhile and useful meeting. I hope it was equally useful to the Emir and the Crown Prince, and they assured me that it was, and I am delighted to have had this opportunity of talking to them today. No doubt, we will have the opportunity, either directly or through our ambassador, for further discussions in the weeks ahead but it was a very sound and worthwhile meeting that we had today and I am pleased I was able to have it.

    Thank you very much indeed!

  • Mr Major’s Comments on the Gulf – 6 January 1991

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s comments on the Gulf, made in an interview on a VC10 to the Gulf on 6th January 1991.

    QUESTION:
    [Mr Major was asked why he was going to the Gulf].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    There are several reasons why I particularly want to go.

    Firstly, I want, of course, to discuss with all our Arab allies how they see the present events and what may happen of course after this matter is over for there will be a great deal to be done then.

    I want to see our own troops and our own British personnel who are there; I want to satisfy myself that they have the equipment that they need, that they are in good heart and good morale and I want to take the opportunity of explaining to them why they are there and how important is is we think that they are there to put right the dreadful wrong that thus far has been done to Kuwait.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked what he thought would happen in the following weeks].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I do not think anyone can be certain what is going to happen. Clearly, we would like this matter to be resolved without a conflict. We would like Saddam Hussein to withdraw from Kuwait and go back to Iraq. We have made it absolutely clear to him that if he does that, he will not be attacked within Iraq – that is absolutely clear and I hope he fully understands that – but whether or not there is a conflict is now up to him. We hope there will not be, but if he does not withdraw, then I fear there will be.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked that since the UN deadline was approaching, would war be inevitable].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I think it was always likely that it would be at the very end of this time-scale before Saddam Hussein withdraws if indeed he does, so I certainly do not give up hope of him withdrawing and I hope very much he will see reason and will do so.

    He cannot win a conflict; that must be clear to him. The sheer scale of the Allied forces there and the Allied air power means that he cannot win, that must be clear to him and I hope he will withdraw. He still has some time to do so. I hope he will make use of that time and withdraw speedily.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked if there would be a problem about whether the Allied troops would ready for war].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    No. I am informed that the Allies are very well prepared for war if that should prove to be necessary; I will have the opportunity of seeing that for myself over the next few days.

  • Mr Major’s Comments on Iraq – 22 December 1990

    The text of Mr Major’s comments on Iraq, made in Washington on Saturday 22nd December 1990.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked whether he had any doubts about the US President’s use of military action in Iraq].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    No, I am in no doubt at all. The President, like everyone else, would prefer the matter to be peacefully settled but indeed, I have no doubt whatsoever about the ultimate commitment to force.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked why sanctions wouldn’t work instead of using force].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I think you have to consider firstly what is happening day by day in Kuwait. You are seeing the dismantlement of a country that at present is being run rather like a prison camp, so I think that is not an argument for excessive delay. Equally, of course, there are Security Council Resolutions and I think they should be observed.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked why sanctions couldn’t be given longer].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Sanctions have had a chance to work. I think you should address those questions to Saddam Hussein and invite him to withdraw. It is he who invaded Kuwait; it is he who is dismantling it; it is he who can bring the matter speedily to a peaceful conclusion.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked if he was committed to a war if it were necessary].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We must hope that it proves not to be necessary and I think we must hope that Saddam Hussein will come to his senses and withdraw but there is no doubt that if he does not withdraw voluntarily, then he will have to be made to withdraw involuntarily.

  • Mr Major’s Doorstep Interview in Washington – 22 December 1990

    The text of Mr Major’s doorstep interview, with President Bush, held in Washington on Saturday 22nd December 1990.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Mr President, thank you very much indeed. If I could perhaps firstly express thanks to you and Barbara for your hospitality here this weekend, it has been a remarkable occasion, a splendid opportunity to get to know one another in our talks and our community of interests a good deal better. We had some splendid entertainment, if I may say so, last night from the Army chorus, an absolutely magnificent way to spend the evening. I think the only danger there is to the Anglo-American special relationship is your weather here this weekend, other than that it has all been absolutely splendid.

    The most heart-warming part of the weekend I think has been the very large areas of policy where we have clearly illustrated yet again there is a very strong community of ideals as well as a community of interests and the President has set those out, we had the opportunity of having a lengthy discussion on those. Clearly there are some problems to be overcome with the GATT; the Gulf, self-evidently is a matter we spent some time on; and also, as the President said, the encouraging activities that are coming out of South Africa with the prospects of more to come.

    So I found it a very rewarding and worthwhile occasion and I think it was entirely proper that one of the very first visits I was able to make as Prime Minister was here to the United States where we have had such a long and fruitful and worthwhile relationship and I am grateful that it has gone so well.

    QUESTION:

    Mr President, have you heard from President Gorbachev in the last day or so?

    PRESIDENT BUSH:

    No.

    QUESTION:

    Mr. President, could you care to comment on the resignation of Shevardnadze and what impact you think it will have on U.S. – Soviet relationships, particularly in the Gulf?

    PRESIDENT BUSH:

    Well again this was a matter that Prime Minister Major and I discussed. I have no additional comment beyond what the Secretary of State said the other day and Marlin Fitzwater put out. I am convinced from what we have received so far from the Soviet Union that the policy on the Gulf will continue. I will let Prime Minister Major comment on that from their vantage point but we, as you know, had a very close relationship with Eduard Shevardnadze and Jim Baker expressed it very well. but life goes on and we will pursue the policies in the Gulf confident that the Soviet Union will continue on its oath and I will continue to work with this new and very encouraging bilateral relationship, work to enhance that in every way possible.

    So what I am saying is that I do not see any radical changes affecting our bilateral relationship. Obviously people are wondering about the concerns raised and expressed by Mr Shevardnadze but we will continue to deal with them in the future here as we have in the past and hope that the changes that are taking place will be done in a very peaceful way. Did you want to add to that?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I would just add a word if I may. Clearly it is sad that he has gone, he has played a remarkable part in the peace-keeping process over the last year or so. What we now need to do is to make sure that, as Mr Gorbachev has said it will, Soviet foreign policy continues unchanged. We will have to wait and see how that turns out but the early signs are encouraging. President Gorbachev said that is how it would be, the Congress of Deputies voted precisely in that fashion within a matter of hours, so we wait to see who the new Foreign Minister is.

    QUESTION:

    Mr President, do you have any doubts, given the changes that there are in the Soviet Union and the turmoil there, that if you made a decision to use force in the Gulf that they would be fully behind you?

    PRESIDENT BUSH:

    Yes, every indication we have had is that there will be no change in their Gulf policy. Do you want to comment on that one?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We have seen no indication of a change in the Gulf policy, there was no indication of it in the immediate comments after Mr Shevardnadze’s resignation and we hope there will not be.

    QUESTION:

    If I could ask you both, Saddam Hussein says he is not about to leave Kuwait, if he does not change his mind is the world ready for war?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    If there is going to be a conflict in Kuwait that is really a matter for Saddam Hussein, he knows what the Security Council resolutions say, they could not be clearer, they have had an almost unprecedented amount of support internationally. I think one has to bear in mind that what he has done is unforgivable, what he and his colleagues are doing in Kuwait at this very moment is unforgivable, as you will have seen from the Amnesty Report. I hope he takes seriously the fact that the Security Council Resolutions will be enforced. If he moves out there will not be a conflict, if he does not then he knows what the consequences may be.

    PRESIDENT BUSH:

    That says it all and it is exactly the way we feel, we are totally together on this point and I think we are both still hoping that there will be a peaceful resolution. But I am convinced that Saddam Hussein has not gotten the message yet, for some odd reason, the message as to what he is up against, the message that all of us are determined to fulfil to the letter the United Nations resolution. Let us hope he does get the message.

    QUESTION:

    Mr. President, we’ve been getting conflicting signals this past week from General Waller, others in the military, in Congress, and so on as to whether the U.S. and the coalition are actually ready for war by the 15th of January. Is the U.S. ready or is the U.S. not ready?

    PRESIDENT BUSH:

    I will be discussing this matter here at Camp David on Monday, I believe it is, with Dick Cheney and General Powell. But put it this way, if there is some clear provocation 10 minutes from now, the allied forces are ready to respond.

    QUESTION:

    There continue to be restrictions by the Saudis on entertainment, do you go along with this position, especially during the Christmas season? And why should the Saudis be allowed to impose such narrow restrictions on those who may very likely give up their lives for mutual interests?

    PRESIDENT BUSH:

    I have discussed this with the Commanding General, I have discussed this with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and I am satisfied that our young men and women over there will be able to do what every other American family will be doing – thanking God for our many blessings at Christmas. And in terms of manifestations of their patriotism, they love this country, they will be able to do what is proper. So I am not worried by these sporadic reports that we get and I think that the cultural differences are well known but I think the Saudis and our people are working very closely to see that we are able to do what every American family does at Christmas time and that is to worship in their own way. I have seen some reports and then I made an enquiry and I am satisfied that these kids can worship their God in their own way.

    QUESTION:

    What about the flag patches, the American flag?

    PRESIDENT BUSH:

    I asked about that, I forget the details of the answer but I was satisfied that what was worked out is acceptable to our general position and to the men as well.

    QUESTION:

    Have you abandoned any hope that there will be talks before 3 January?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Insofar as talks are concerned there is nothing to negotiate about. Insofar as whether there is a meeting between Saddam Hussein and Secretary of State Baker is concerned, Mr Baker has offered a whole series of dates to Saddam Hussein he has had a wide variety to choose from, he has not yet chosen. But insofar as negotiations, there is nothing to negotiate about.

    PRESIDENT BUSH:

    Exactly the same answer, we are totally together on this, we have offered up dates, we have made clear, as the Prime Minister has just said, that these meetings were designed to explain fully to Saddam Hussein the situation that he faces now but we will continue to hope that he will be reasonable, but I see no evidence of it, if that’s your question.

    QUESTION:

    A question for both of you. Mr. Kryuchkov, the head of the KGB, has said that bloodshed may be necessary to restore order in the Soviet Union. What are your comments?

    PRESIDENT BUSH:

    Would you like to go first on that?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Well, we…

    PRESIDENT BUSH:

    This is what they call bowling us a googley. [Laughter].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Yes. [Laughter]. If it’s a googley, I dare say it’s a curve ball for me. [Laughter].

    I think we hear a lot of comment of various sorts from the Soviet Union, some of it rather garish of that sort, we hope very much not, What clearly one wants to see is the reform programme continuing, it has gone a long way in a short period of time but it has a long way still to go.

    We hope it can travel that long road and do so without bloodshed and peaceably.

    QUESTION:

    What do you think of the GATT issue?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I think there is a community of interests there. We are both aware, and so are the other Community heads in the European Community, that the great advantage is to get an agreement on GATT, it may not be an agreement that would have every one of us dancing in the streets on every issue but there will have to be a community of interests for the agreement and I think there is a political will to make sure that it is reached.

    QUESTION:

    Were you surprised by Mr Shevardnadze’s resignation?

    PRESIDENT BUSH:

    Yes I was surprised, that is a matter for the internal affairs of the Soviet Union but everybody knows the respect we have and had and have for Eduard Shevardnadze, the same sort of respect we have and had and have for President Gorbachev.

    QUESTION:

    I wanted to ask you about your meetings with Congress this week. What do you see the prospects that you will be seeking some sort of resolution similar to the U.N. resolution?

    PRESIDENT BUSH:

    We had vigorous consultations with Congress, we will continue to have that, Congress appointed a group of 20 at the end of the last session and I will clearly be meeting with them and soliciting their views, we are talking always to members of Congress as they come back. It is not just the President doing the whole question, there are legislative people in the White House and we will continue to consult in every way possible. I want Congress fully on board, I would love to see Congress say this minute that we fully endorse the United Nations resolutions and the President should fully implement them. But because I am determined to do that it would be very nice to send that solid signal out to Saddam Hussein, I think it would help him get the message as to what he is up against.

    But they have got to decide, the Congress is a separate body, they are entitled to do it any way they want. But I know the powers of the Presidency and I have had a chance to discuss that with the key members of Congress.

    Thank you all very much.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Thank you.