Pentagon denies knowledge of British memo on troop withdrawals

[sabra]

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http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/7FA4EB2B01B2B22C6525703B0048691E?OpenDocument

Pentagon denies knowledge of British memo on troop withdrawals

Washington, July 11 (PTI) The Pentagon has denied knowledge of a leaked British memo indicating withdrawal of its troops in Iraq by early 2006.

The memo marked 'Secret - UK Eyes Only,' by Defence Secretary John Reid to Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "Emerging US plans assume that 14 out of 18 provinces could be handed over to Iraqi control by early 2006." However a Pentagon spokesman yesterday said the officials had not seen the document.

After the leak of the memo in British media yesterday, Reid said in a statement the government had "made it absolutely plain that we will stay in Iraq for as long as is needed." The memo, details of which were published in 'The Mail' daily yesterday allowed for a reduction in overall US-led troops in Iraq to 66,000.

....

The undated memo stated that "current US political military thinking is still evolving. But there is a strong US military desire for significant force reductions to bring relief to overall US commitment levels." President Bush and his top officials have refused to set either a deadline for troop level, saying that such action would only reassure terrorists that all they have to do is to wait for the deadline to pass and then resume terrorism with impunity. PTI

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[mmonk]

1. I think it's just a float

to gage reaction.

[htuttle]

2. "Pentagon denies knowledge of anything whatsover"

Interesting that they would rather take the political tack of hiding behind ignorance rather than at least attempting to appear competent like they used to.

[murielm99]

6. If I had a job typing and running those little banners that appear

under the "newscasts" on TV, I would write a banner that said, "Pentagon denies knowledge of anything whatsoever."

My job would only last one day (or less), but it would be great fun to get that message out to those who haven't already figured it out for themselves.

What other banners could I write? How much truth could I get out in a few minutes? Maybe we should take over a TV "news" operation for a morning.

[insane_cratic_gal]

9. Why doesn't it say

"Pentagon ALWAYS denies knowledge of anything whatsoever"

Did they leak it out of revenge for the DSM? .. Then wham they get hit with a terror attack. Which is suppose to send the Brits into a made plea of "please protect us Blair. How dare you withdraw troops your suppose to fight them there not here" Bush can gloat and keep shrilling the hell out of the TERRA, TERRA.
Which doesn't happen because it's a tired fucking line that only the Freakiod right wingers use.

I'm so cynical now, after 5 years of lies and nothing but bullshit from this Administration, I need to firmly have my tinfoil hat attached. I don't put anything past them, that includes allowing innocent people to die for their continued pursuit of world domination.

[Monkie]

3. "not seen the document" thats a pentagon non-denial denial

"However a Pentagon spokesman yesterday said the officials had not seen the document."

That denial doesnt mean the contents of the memo isnt correct.
as its a 'Secret - UK Eyes Only' document the pentagon could have only seen the document if they had totally compromised UK security at the highest level and i doubt anyones going on record to admit that.

The pentagon official could have said "the content of the memo discussing US plans for Iraq is uncorrect" and I wouldnt feel the need to theorise

[BOSSHOG]

4. I've never been to Egypt. Does that mean it does not exist?

[Ready4Change]

5. Pentagon: "La la la! Can't hear you! La la la!"

:eyes:

[sabra]

7. more: U.S. forces in Iraq deny pressure to speed up pullout

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http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/GRA155223.htm

U.S. forces in Iraq deny pressure to speed up pullout
11 Jul 2005 15:59:46 GMT

Source: Reuters

By Peter Graff

BAGHDAD, July 11 (Reuters) - U.S. forces in Iraq denied on Monday they were being pressed into a hasty withdrawal, after a leaked British memo said Washington hopes to pull most troops out in a year while generals on the ground are more cautious.

"We're not aware of any disagreements or pressure from either Centcom or the Pentagon on the plan for a conditions- based drawdown or withdrawal of coalition forces," said Lieutenant Colonel Steve Boylan, spokesman for the U.S.-led force in Iraq.

"We have had many of our senior commanders on the record as saying we are working toward a conditions-based withdrawal."

The secret British government memo, published in the Mail on Sunday newspaper and confirmed as genuine by officials, said Washington hopes to cut the U.S.-led force in Iraq from 176,000 troops to just 66,000 within a year.

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[MGKrebs]

8. Possible that this is a fake?

Intended to cast a shadow over the DSM? I know that the DSM have been verified, but when did something like that stop the BFEE from trying to confuse people anyway?

[Monkie]

10. nope sorry,confirmed real in this thread and by Reid n/t