London: British officials on December 17 announced that the UK is gearing up for a possible war against Iraq, even as Iraqi Opposition groups meeting in London agreed on the make-up of a committee that could form the basis for a new government in Baghdad.

"We are preparing in a military sense so that the threat of military force is there to support the idea that compliance is a good idea. But behind that is preparation for actual use of force if that should prove necessary," British Defence Ministry officials said.

They said plans to provide equipment for a campaign had begun, and ships were being hired to take any troops needed to the Gulf.

However, the ministry stressed the moves were only contingency plans, no troops had yet been deployed, nor had the size of any force been decided.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has, however, refused to be drawn on this and said the government would await a full report from UN inspectors.

At the Ministry of Defence (MoD), officials stressed war was neither "imminent nor inevitable" and said diplomatic efforts were still being pursued to resolve the Iraq crisis. But reservists and their employers were being contacted to make sure they have no objections to being called up if necessary. Some regular troop units were being put on notice so that they could move quickly if required.

According to a BBC report, tanks were also being prepared to desert conditions, with their filters and fans to be changed so they could cope with sand.

PTI