White House has quietly launched a massive review into how the UK’s Huawei decision impacts America.
Every US intelligence + military asset in Britain being assessed for impact.
Spy planes + agents could be pulled out as a result.
Quick thread...
telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/05/0…
Has not been made public. But half a dozen sources (inc US + UK officials) have told @Telegraph it is happening and gave insights.
Trump admin had been lobbying fiercely in both public and private against the decision. Not impressed when it was taken.
UK barred Huawei from its ‘core’ (ie most sensitive) network and capped its share of non-core to 1/3.
We argued it’s the best outcome given the circumstances (only 3 providers available) and are adamant it won’t compromise security.
They argue even a bit of Huawei access opens up network to the Chinese government. Worried others will follow UK. Often they use v heated language.
Could it be impacted by Huawei decision? How? How seriously? And so what should be done?
So in this case Pentagon, the State Department and the various intel agencies all heavily involved.
Here’s what one source who only recently left the NSC told me.
“This was not a bluff. You cannot mitigate the danger Boris Johnson is exposing the UK to by letting Huawei into the network.”
There are 500ish Americans there working on the mission.
But will they remain if Huawei is adopted...
UK argues this isn’t an issue as Huawei can’t build parts of the network that handle intel.
But some on US side aren’t so sure there will be no impact.
When they travel round Britain they will interact with non-core parts of the network (ie ones Huawei built).
Could their messages be compromised?
Less missions in UK = agents go elsewhere.
1) Rhetoric on China hardening in DC due to covid crisis. Dems included. So less likely US will compromise.
2) Some Republicans want shift in resources away from Europe + towards Asia. Pulling back from UK fits with this.
:: This is just a review. No decisions on redeployments taken yet.
:: Perhaps it’s all just hot air to get Britain to U-turn on decision?
Certainly some in Trump admin are cheering on the Tory grandee rebels still hoping to force a change.
Before it was just words of warning from the US.
Now, they’re actively taking steps down a path that could leave US-UK intel and military links damaged.
And it was a no comment from NSC, No10 and MOD.
(end)
telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/05/0…