Cabinet Office Concedes Mistake in Andrew Files Release

The UK Cabinet Office has acknowledged a significant misstep regarding the release of Andrew files, shedding light on past diplomatic decisions and government operations. Newly declassified documents reveal details of foreign policy deliberations during Tony Blair’s government and other intriguing incidents.

Military Action in Zimbabwe Dismissed

In 2004, the Foreign Office assessed the potential for military intervention to remove Robert Mugabe from power in Zimbabwe. Despite growing frustration within the Blair administration over Mugabe’s leadership, the paper concluded that UK-led intervention would have been politically isolated, expensive, and lacked a clear exit strategy.

• Military action deemed not a “serious option.”
• Mugabe, then 80, was noted as “depressingly healthy.”
• Efforts to increase pressure on Mugabe were limited.

Apology for Telegram Issue

Further revelations include an apology from Downing Street regarding a 1994 telegram sent to the Queen Mother. The improper addressing of the birthday message prompted a complaint from the Queen Mother’s private secretary. Officials attributed the mishap to a transmission error and suggested reconsideration of the telegram protocol.

Freedom of Information Act Challenges

Additionally, the files highlight constraints related to the Freedom of Information Act. Specific details surrounding a private conversation between Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac, following the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, were not disclosed. While some documents connected to Diana’s death were made public, the summary memo of the Blair-Chirac discussion was deemed not in the public interest for release.

Abandoned Plans for Downing Street Redevelopment

Among the ambitious plans unveiled were proposals for significant renovation of Downing Street, referred to as Project George. Drafted in March 2005, the plans aimed to modernize the historic estate, which had not seen major upgrades since the 1960s.

• Project included a subterranean suite with a 200-seat conference room.
• An underground service road was proposed to differentiate VIP access from refuse collection.
• Plans extended to Nos 11 and 12 Downing Street and 70 Whitehall.

Although outlined as a multi-million-pound initiative to be financed through private investment over a period of 30 years, no reason was provided for the eventual abandonment of the redevelopment plans. The files underscore various challenges and decisions faced by government officials, reflecting the complexities of maintaining both transparency and operational efficacy in diplomatic relations.