22 Jul 07. Detention of Naval Personnel: Report. The Foreign Affairs Committee published (22 Jul 07) a Report on Foreign Policy Aspects of the Detention of Naval Personnel by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Report covers the wider implications of the detention of eight RN sailors and seven Royal Marines from HMS CORNWALL on 23 Mar 07, including the Government’s diplomatic strategy and the role of Third Parties.
Comment: The Report’s discussion of Iraqi territorial waters (para 24 et seq) will be of particular interest to the Defence community. Quite rightly, the Report repeats (para 56) the extraordinary fact that no “single individual took the decision to authorise payment for the stories of the personnel”.
The Report is available from TSO and from The Parliamentary Bookshop (Tel: 020-7219 3890), as HC 880. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 0729, 23 Jul 07)

18 Jul 07. Afghanistan: Defence Committee Report. The Defence Committee published (18 Jul 07) a Report on UK Operations in Afghanistan. The Report explains the UK’s role in Helmand Province as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission,a 37-nation coalition. ISAF’s aim is to establish stability in Afghanistan and so deny the country to the Taliban and to Al-Qaeda. The Report stresses the international nature of Operations with particular praise being given to the performance of Dutch troops (para 82). The abilities of the Canadian, Romanian and Portuguese Forces are also recorded.
Comment: This is the Committee’s second report on the subject, following on from ‘The UK Deployment to Afghanistan’ (HC 558 of 4 Apr 06). The Report is available from TSO and The Parliamentary Bookshop, as HC 408, for £20:00. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 0729, 23 Jul 07)

17 Jul 07. Aircraft Logistics: National Audit Office (NAO) Report. The NAO published (17 Jul 07) a Report on Transforming Logistics Support for Fast Jets. The Report describes the changes which the MoD has introduced for the provision of maintenance, repair and overhaul activity for Harrier and Tornado aircraft.
Comment: The Report is of limited appeal but for the specialist it contains a mass of detail. The Report is available from TSO and from The Parliamentary Bookshop, as HC 825, for £13:50. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 0729, 23 Jul 07)