UK colonel cleared in Iraq probe
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"You will be shunned unless your conduct is of the highest," Collins told troops before the war.
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SPECIAL REPORT
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LONDON, England -- A British army officer has been cleared by the Ministry of Defence of mistreating prisoners of war in Iraq.
No criminal proceedings will be brought against Col. Tim Collins, the former commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, the ministry said Monday.
A ministry spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that the investigation into allegations against Col. Collins has now concluded and that no criminal proceedings will be taken against him."
Collins, 43, a father of five, categorically denied claims he broke the rules of conduct during the conflict in Iraq.
The ministry ordered an investigation following a U.S. major's allegations of abuse of captured Iraqis.
Collins was often seen during the war with a cigar clenched between his teeth and wearing a pair of sunglasses.
His stirring speech to troops on the eve of battle drew praise from Britain's Prince Charles and U.S. President George W. Bush.
In the speech he urged troops to do their duty while treating the enemy with respect.
"There are some who are alive at this moment who will not be alive shortly. ... Those who do not wish to go on that journey we will not send. As for the others, I expect you to rock their world," he said.
"Wipe them out if that is what they choose. But if you are ferocious in battle remember to be magnanimous in victory.
"If you harm the regiment or its history by over-enthusiasm in killing or in cowardice, know it is your family who will suffer. You will be shunned unless your conduct is of the highest."
Prince Charles was so impressed by the speech that he wrote a personal note to Collins to say how "profoundly moved" he was by the "extraordinarily stirring, civilized and humane" words.
Bush was reported to have had a copy of the speech pinned to the wall of his Oval Office in the White House.
