Al Jazeera Bombing Memo
An unpublished memorandum was made within the British government which contained the details of the discussion between the Prime minister of Britain, Tony Blair and President of U.S.A, G. W Bush. The conversation took place on 16 April 2004. Called as the Al Jazeera bombing memo, it was published in the `The Daily Mirror` as a major headline on 22nd November 2005.The published version claimed that during the conversation between the two most influential men in the world, Bush had speculated about bombing and raiding the head quarters of Arab News Channel `Al Jazeera` in Doha (Capital of Qatar) and Channel’s various offices at other locations. Bush however was finally persuaded to take no action by the British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The Discussion took place at the time when the U.S marines and Iraqi Security forces assault on Fallujah was at its height. Al Jazeera reporters provided with the live video footage of the conflict and broadcasted civilian casualties. The coverage by the Al Jazeera reporters was later described as `vicious and inexcusable` by the Former U.S Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfield.
White House reaction to the article published in the paper was dismissive. White house pointed out that Qatar was its ally in the war against Iraq. Many believed that the recordings were simply statements that were not to be taken seriously.
Under the Official Secrets Act in U.K, David Koegh, Tony Clarke and Leo O` Connor were charged for unauthorized disclosure of the memo. Keogh, found guilty on two counts, was sentenced to 6 months of jail. Connor was given 3 months behind bars.
Attorney general Lord Goldsmith has warned all news organizations in U.K from further publication of any information related to the leaked memo.
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