LONDON, July 18 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair agreed Friday to exchange intelligence with two other countries.
The first announcement came from Radio Israel, which said Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had decided to opt-in to the exchange of sensitive intelligence with Britain after the two leaders met in London this week.
The two leaders decided to appoint two contact people in each of their offices to facilitate a direct intelligence link.
Later, an announcement from the White House signalled a similar accord between the United States and Britain.
"President Bush and Prime Minister Blair today agreed to change existing policies in ways that will further strengthen and deepen our defense relationship," a statement said.
In addition, the two countries agreed to create a Bilateral Defense Acquisition Committee, chaired by the Department of Defense and the Ministry of Defense. The committee will address defense acquisition, procurement and logistical activities, and commercial cooperation activities, the statement said.
