§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the statement made by Lieutenant General Sir Peter de la Billière in his briefing to Saudi journalists, that "if … there is a war it will be a short one …" was made with their specific approval and represents their considered view.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (The Earl of Arran)The Government hope that Iraq will comply with the terms of United Nations Security Council resolutions as soon as possible. Lieutenant-General Sir Peter de la Billière was commenting in his capacity as British Forces Commander Middle East.