The case for war: How Goldsmith changed his opinion (Guardian)

Richard Norton-Taylor
Friday March 25, 2005
The Guardian

<snip>March 2002
Senior officials in Whitehall advise ministers that "regime change of itself" has "no basis in international law". <snip>

Autumn 2002
According to Butler report, Goldsmith concludes "there would be no justification for use of force against Iraq on grounds of self-defence against imminent threat". <snip>

February 11 2003
Goldsmith meets John Bellinger, legal adviser to White House, in Washington. Bellinger reportedly says: "We had trouble with your attorney, we got him there eventually." <snip>

March 7 2003
At request of Downing Street Goldsmith puts advice in writing. Concludes no further UN resolution is needed, but court of law might differ and rule invasion illegal. Ministers set up legal team to prepare for possible international litigation. <snip>

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1445496,00.html