Mushroom Clouds & Smoking Guns

…In France, we've always been very careful about both problems of uranium production in Niger and Iraqi attempts to get uranium from Africa. After the first Gulf War, we were very cautious with that problem, as the French government didn't care to be accused of maintaining relations with Saddam in that field.

…We told the Americans, “Bull - - - -. [The Iraq-Niger link] doesn't make any sense.” We had the feeling that we had been heard. There was nothing more to say other than that.

…We thought they [the Americans] were in possession of the documents. The words were very similar.

…[Prewar claims were supported by] No proof. No evidence. No indication. No sign.

Alain Chouet, fmr. French official.

Tom Hamburger, “French Told CIA of Bogus Intelligence,” Los Angeles Times, 12/11/05.