US Spy Plane Disguised in UN Colors to Lure Saddam into War?

The UK press is discussing a new book, "Lawless World," by British human rights lawyer, Phillipe Sands. The book reveals extraordinary details of a George Bush and Tony Blair pre-war meeting in January 2003 at which they discussed plans to begin military action irrespective of whether the UN had passed a new resolution authorizing the use of force.

The minutes from the meeting include President Bush saying that:

"The US would put its full weight behind efforts to get another resolution and would 'twist arms' and 'even threaten'. But he had to say that if ultimately we failed, military action would follow anyway.''

Prime Minister Blair responded that he was: "solidly with the President and ready to do whatever it took to disarm Saddam."

Mr. Sands book also has notes from the meeting having President Bush state: "The US was thinking of flying U2 reconnaissance aircraft with fighter cover over Iraq, painted in UN colours. If Saddam fired on them, he would be in breach."

Bush went on to say: "It was also possible that a defector could be brought out who would give a public presentation about Saddam's WMD, and there was also a small possibility that Saddam would be assassinated."

The Channel 4 "White House Meeting Memo" report.

The Guardian reports on the Blair-Bush deal.