The 42 year old Commander speaks

 
As reported by Ben MacIntyre of the Times.

The 42 year old Commander speaks !

"The enemy should be in no doubts that we are his Nemesis and that we are about to bring his rightful destruction. There are many regional commanders who have stains on their souls and they are stocking 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 them. As for the others I expect you to rock the world.

We go to liberate them, 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. Do not treat then 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 under International Law, and ensure they can one day go back to their family. The ones who wish to fight, well we aim to please. If there are causalities of war, then remember that when they woke up and got dressed in the morning they did not plan to die this day. Allow them dignity in death. Bury then 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. 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 you have nothing.

There may be people among you who will not see the end of this campaign. We will put them in 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 is now north. "