British colonel cleared of mistreating PoWs

A British Army officer has been cleared by the Ministry of Defence of mistreating prisoners of war in Iraq.

No criminal proceedings will be brought against Colonel Tim Collins, the former commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, the the Ministry of Defence said.

A spokeswoman for the MoD said: "I can confirm that the investigation into allegations against Colonel Collins has now concluded and that no criminal proceedings will be taken against him."

Northern-Ireland born Col Collins, 43, a father of five, won British and American praise for a rousing speech to his Royal Irish Regiment troops on the eve of fighting.

He categorically denied claims he broke the rules of conduct during the conflict in Iraq.

The Ministry of Defence ordered an investigation into claims made by a US military officer, Major Re Biastre of 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Buffalo, New York, who alleged abuse of captured Iraqis.

It bears repeating...

Speech by Tim Collins, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commander of The Royal Irish battle group, Beginning of Iraq War

“THE enemy should be in no doubt that we are his Nemesis and that we are bringing about his rightful destruction. There are many regional commanders who have stains on their souls and they are stoking the fires of Hell for Saddam. As they die they will know their deeds have brought them to this place. Show them no pity. But those who do not wish to go on that journey, we will not send. As for the others, I expect you to rock their world.

“We go to liberate, not to conquer. We will not fly our flags in their country. We are entering Iraq to free a people, and the only flag that will be flown in that ancient land is their own. Don’t treat them as refugees, for they are in their own country.

“I know men who have taken life needlessly in other conflicts. They live with the mark of Cain upon them. If someone surrenders to you, then remember they have that right in international law, and ensure that one day they go home to their family. The ones who wish to fight, well, we aim to please. If there are casualties of war, then remember, when they woke up and got dressed in the morning they did not plan to die this day. Allow them dignity in death. Bury them properly, and mark their graves.

“You will be shunned unless your conduct is of the highest, for your deeds will follow you down history. Iraq is steeped in history. It is the site of the Garden of Eden, of the Great Flood, and the birth of Abraham. Tread lightly there. You will have to go a long way to find a more decent, generous and upright people than the Iraqis. You will be embarrassed by their hospitality, even though they have nothing ...

“There may be people among us who will not see the end of this campaign. We will put them in their sleeping bags and send them back. There will be no time for sorrow. Let’s leave Iraq a better place for us having been there. Our business now, is north.”

Last Updated: Thursday, 20 March, 2003, 02:39 GMT

UK troops told: Be just and strong

Lt Col Tim Collins urged his troops not to kill unnecessarily

British troops waiting to attack Iraq have been told to behave like liberators rather than conquerors.

But they have also been warned some of them may not return from Iraq alive.

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collins gave the battlegroup of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish the pep talk as the US deadline for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq or face action ticked away.

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