Iraq a deception of the Australian people: former Defence Chief

[the Kelly Gang]

invasion of Iraq on the basis of false assumptions and deception of the Australian people.

"A number of serving defence force officers shared the concerns of a group of 43 former defence chiefs and diplomats who wanted a return to truth in government, retired defence chief General Peter Gration said today.

Mr Gration, who headed the Australian Defence Force from 1987 to 1993, said he and the other signatories believed Australia joined the invasion of Iraq on the basis of false assumptions and deception of the Australian people.

"I can tell you that number of serving offices do share these concerns and serving diplomats too, I guess. But quite properly in their present positions, they can't speak out," he told reporters today."

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/08/08/1091903429906.html?from=storylhs