The Sierra Leone Arms Investigation
Terms of Reference: To conduct an investigation in the light of recent allegations about Government involvement with the supply of arms to Sierra Leone by UK citizens or firms with a view to establishing what was known by government officials (including military personnel) and Ministers about plans to supply arms to Sierra Leone after 8 October 1997; whether any official encouragement or approval was given to such plans or such supply; and, if so, on what authority.
Chair: Sir Thomas Legg KCB QC assisted by Sir Robin Ibbs KBE.
Dates:
· Established 18 May 1998
· Reported 27 July 1998
Link to website and or download report:
Description of the events which caused the public concern:
In May 1997, President Kabbah of Sierra Leone was ousted in a military coup. The United Nations imposed an arms embargo on Sierra Leone, and it was made a criminal offence in the UK to supply arms to Sierra Leone without a government licence. In December 1997, Tim Spicer (a British Citizen), through his company Sandline International, made a contract with President Kabbah to supply arms and ammunition to assist him in his attempt to retake power. In February 1998, arms were sent to Sierra Leone. HM Customs & Excise began an investigation into Mr Spicer and Sandlines dealings which were considered to be a breach of the arms embargo. Mr Spicer produced evidence which showed that British government officials were aware of the proposed transaction. In May 1998 the Attorney-General decided that it was not in the public interest to prosecute any person for breaches of the embargo.
Summary of reports recommendations:
· Review general communications issues in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
· Review arrangements in FCO for receiving and distributing reports from the Ministry of Defence
· Use of modern technology to communicate with ministers and officials when abroad
· Address the side-copy habit, making ministers or officials the primary recipient of communications
· Care should be taken in drafting press lines
· Greater appreciation of the requirements of secondary legislation is required
· More explicit guidance on how to manage relations with private military companies, including a recommendation to make full records of all dealings
· FCO should maintain an awareness of domestic political sensitivities
· Ministers should be given early and effective warnings of developments which could trigger political sensitivities
· A neighbourhood watch scheme for monitoring embargoes
· Review of the quality of Parliamentary briefings for FCO ministers
· More discretion in using legal and other specialist advice before other options are considered
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