FreetownA British defence ministry memo in May 2000 expected cluster weapons in Sierra Leone, advocacy outlet Declassified UK reported.
Wing Commander Andy Suddards wrote that Cabinet seemed to accept their use despite concerns.
The memo said close air support missions would probably require cluster weapons, though alternatives were preferable if adequate.
The defence ministry’s press office said an initial search found no evidence they were used.
Britain signed the 2008 treaty that bans cluster munitions and orders stockpiles destroyed.
How each outlet framed it
- Declassified UK leans critical
- reconstructs 2000 MoD internal memos showing ministers were prepared to use cluster bombs in Sierra Leone, against later treaty commitments
Sources: Declassified UK