GENERAL VOUCHES FOR ANTI-NARCOTICS OFFICIAL JAILED IN DUBAI

Supplied Canadian Forces With 'Critical Information' During Stint In
Kandahar

UNITED NATIONS - Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan has thrown his
support behind jailed anti-narcotics official Bert Tatham.

Brig.-Gen. Tim Grant says the 35-year-old Vancouver resident,
sentenced Tuesday in Dubai to four years imprisonment for drug
possession, gave Canadian Forces "critical information" during his
year in the country.

Mr. Tatham worked, in the 12 months up to mid-April, as a member of
the Afghan government's Poppy Elimination Program in the southern
province of Kandahar, managing an Afghan team in such projects as
helping farmers find alternative crops.

"While Canada does not conduct counter-narcotic operations in
Afghan-istan, Mr. Tatham was our link to understanding poppy growth,
harvesting, trade activities and the government of Afghanistan's
eradication activities in Kandahar Province," Brig.-Gen. Grant, who
took command of Canada's 2,500 troops in Afghanistan last August,
writes in a letter of reference.

"This assisted us in several areas, including where operations were
being conducted so as not to interfere with our security, development
or governance activities."

Most of Canada's offensive operations take place in Kandahar as
Canadian troops and other international forces battle the Taliban.

Brig.-Gen. Grant says Mr. Tatham, an expert in satellite-imagery
interpretation, even "detailed cartographical products," which
Canadian Forces used in Afghanistan and Canada.

Brig.-Gen. Grant also described Mr. Tatham as a "liaison and adviser"
who conducted "extensive co-ordination" with Canadian troops as he
"worked alongside" them.

Mr. Tatham's lawyers hope Brig.-Gen. Grant's May 20 letter will play
an important part in their efforts to win amnesty for Mr. Tatham
failing the appeal of his conviction, delivered by a three-judge panel.

Mr. Tatham's parents in Collingwood, Ont., are also pushing for
Canadian officials to work behind the scenes to encourage Dubai
authorities to find a way to release their son.

The Dubai courts are reputed to be strict, but fair, while the
emirate's ruler, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum, also periodically
grants mass amnesties to selected offenders.

"Canada is following the case very closely, but we must remember the
importance of showing respect and deference for Dubai's legal system,"
one official close to the file said.

Mr. Tatham's year in Afghanistan was his second tour there. He was
hired for almost $214,000 by a company contracted to the U.S. State
Department.

The salary reflected not only his expertise, but also the high level
of danger in the assignment.

"There have been older ex-military guys who've just walked away,
saying they just didn't think it was worth getting shot for," said one
Canadian human rights worker living in Kandahar.