Its all in the subtle nuances!

I watched the coverage of today's first meeting between President Bush and Prime Minister Gordon Brown this afternoon with, naturally, considerable interest and it was revealing to note how much distance Brown is trying to put, not so much between himself and Bush, but between himself and Blair.

He stepped off the plane at Andrews, formally attired in a suit rather than chinos and a casual shirt. He was accompanied by the British Foreign Secretary, David Milliband, rather than by his wife, and he quite deliberately but graciously resisted the George Bush 'cuddle' which Bush seems to extend to all visitors before depositing them in his buggy.

The news conference that followed was even more interesting. For a start it began 25 minutes late, unusual for the very punctual Bush, and during it, while Bush paid ample if not gushing tribute to Brown, the British Prime Minister, while praising the US for its fight against world terrorism pointedly omitted to praise two elements in particular - the Iraq conflict and, even more pointedly, George Bush himself. Neither did Brown mention by name.

In fact he referred to their earlier discussions as 'full and frank' - well known in diplomatic circles to mean 'we didn't really see eye to eye' and it was very clear that Brown was clearly not going to be drawn in by jokes, homilies or all the other folksy little tricks in Bush's repertoire used to disarm his guests.

There was an interesting phrase Brown used when he said "Our aim, like the United States is, step-by-step, to move control to the Iraqi authorities." What he didn't say was that the timing of those aims and the timetable for handover were mutually agreed by Britain and the United States, and in fact I doubt very much if they are.

On the surface, the new relationship was cordial enough but Gordon Brown's language was clearly inferring that the British decisions on Iraq will be made after consultation with British military commanders and not be influenced by outside factors like Mr. Bush's political difficulties.

Of course they will work together. Of course America and Britain will remain close allies but I'll bet one thing.....there ain't gonna be a 'Yo Brown' moment!!