July 28, 2002	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 17,1423

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LONDON, July 27: British Prime Minister Tony Blair has privately told US President George Bush that Britain would support an attack on Iraq if President Saddam Hussain refuses to allow UN inspectors into the country.

British newspaper The Guardian reported on Saturday that President Bush’s “understanding”, based on conversations with the prime minister, is that he can count on Mr Blair, according to well-placed Bush administration officials.

“The plan involves a slimmed-down force of around 50,000 troops, which could be deployed within a matter of days,” the papers adds.

“Senior officials are saying a sudden military strike could be launched as early as October. Boeing and other US companies are working round the clock, producing satellite-guided ‘smart’ bombs that would be used in huge air strikes to accompany any ground invasion.”

The report says a Washington source familiar with the administration’s thinking said while it was accurate to say Mr Bush had not yet decided how or when to attack Iraq, the president was considering his options in the belief Mr Blair would go along with the US.

“Two options have been widely discussed in Washington. One would involve inserting Iraqi defectors, backed by 5,000 US troops and ‘precision’ air strikes. The second option, which would require at least a three-month build-up, is the US military’s central command standard war plan, involving 250,000 troops and heavy armour.