To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department holds on whether the US administration was informed in advance about Georgian plans to take military action in South Ossetia. (223177)

We have no information to suggest that the US Administration was informed in advance of Georgian actions. The US Administration has stated in hearings before the US Congress that they had warned the Georgians not to fall victim to provocations, and whatever their fears, a military response would be a mistake. Prior to 7 August, the US and others, including the UK, had encouraged all parties to avoid actions that would escalate tensions.