MI6 chief defends dossier claim

[muriel_volestrangler]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/uk_politics/3110292.stm

"One of Britain's top spymasters has defended as "reliable" the controversial claim that Iraq could deploy weapons of mass destruction within 45 minutes.
Sir Richard Dearlove, who heads intelligence agency MI6, gave evidence via audio link to the Hutton inquiry into the death of government scientist David Kelly.

He was confident the intelligence was accurate but in hindsight, and given the way it was misinterpreted, he acknowledged the 45-minute claim might have been given "undue prominence". "


I can't understand how anyone can still think the intelligence was accurate. Whatever the state of possible weapons programmes, deploying within 45 minutes means the weapons had to be built, and ready to fire, with the chemicals/biological agents ready (maybe not loaded, but they'd hardly be able to brew up a new batch in 45 minutes). Weapons like these would be bound to have been found by now, and evidence of how they were deployed.

How does this guy say this with a straight face? Or is that why it was an audio-only link?

[JohnyCanuck]

1. He's just doing his best to cover his decietful, lying ass

now that the lies are being clearly exposed.

[mhr]

2. He's Afraid of What Might Happen

to that lilly white derriere in prison.

He'd quickly learn what "sexed up" means!

[AP]

3. The US gave Iraq and 4 month to 1 year heads up!!!

Who didn't think W was going to settle that score?

[westerby]

4. What happened to Kelly was probably a warning

Everyone who is illoyal towards the government might get in trouble.
Is the job as a MI6 chief not dependend on the government?
If it is said of Kelly that his pensions were in danger, that would be the case for every other whistleblower.

[AndyTiedye]

5. Obviously More Than Just His Pension Was In Danger

Nobody really believes it was suicide, do they?

[newyawker99]

6. Hi westerby!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: