I thought that you might wish to know that, during a week-long visit I made to Kosovo, I met a number of your officers, eg Superintendent John Middlemiss, inspector Tim Hanley, Inspector John Adams and RUC Officer Albert McWilliams ("N"Division).

  We discussed the duties they had to perform in that conflict-ridden province and I came away deeply impressed by their professionalism. More importantly, I was told by their Chief Officer, a man I believe you have met, that the 60-strong RUC contingent was his best group of international police officers.

  Similar compliments were paid to your officers by senior UN officials, army officers and representatives of NGOs. The RUC can be justly proud of these fellow-officers.

  Incidentally, I was accompanied on my visit by fellow-members of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. At a meeting of the Committee yesterday, attended by the Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, I told him that HMG should give serious consideration to six-month long tours of duty to Kosovo. For his part, Mr Cook said that, whilst he saw some difficulties with shorter engagements, in relation to the training such officers undertake, he would consider my suggestion and write to the Committee.

  I would welcome your observations and advice on this idea.

Norman Anthony Godman MP

  Dear Dr Godman,

  I refer to your previous correspondence and to our meeting on 17 April which I trust was of benefit to yourself and your colleagues.

  I could not be more proud of what our officers are achieving in Kosovo and it was kind of you to write confirming the esteem in which they are held. Your comments will, of course, be relayed to the officers concerned.

  As we discussed, I believe the concept of a six month tour would be much more attractive to volunteers. If you can win agreement for this, I think it would be more likely that the commitment to UN missions could be maintained over prolonged periods as is likely to be the desire in Kosovo.

R Flanagan
Chief Constable